Chelsea could secure three more exits as Saudi Pro League could do them a 'favour'
A busy summer of exits may not yet be finished for Chelsea
Chelsea have become somewhat renowned for their expert selling technique of fringe players throughout this summer transfer window.
In an intriguing change of narrative from previous years’ criticism over their scattergun approach under Todd Boehly, there was evidently method to the madness as several unwanted young stars have been sold for profit to significantly aid the Blues’ financial books.
Chelsea’s total summer income of £288.87million was a record for sales by a Premier League club in a single window, which goes a long way to reflecting the fact that the Boehly project is somehow working. The next step is, of course, to make strides towards challenging for the Premier League title, but the belief amongst fans is that is not far away.
The Blues’ income could yet exceed £300m if they get their way, as further sales could still be possible thanks to a controversial yet effective source of transfer income.
Chelsea could benefit from Saudi Arabia to make sales
Arguably the only party to come under further controversy and criticism than Chelsea for their financial doings over the last three years is the Saudi Pro League. Since the division rose to prominence in 2023, the Public Investment Fund-aided league has aimed to become a major player within the global game due to inflated transfer fees, extortionate wage offers and major promises. Often, the division offers a way out for players who are surplus to requirements in the Premier League.
That is set to benefit Chelsea according to reports by Sport in Spain. The Saudi Pro League sees its transfer window close on September 23, meaning there are still over two weeks left for business and many deals still to be done.
The report continues that this ‘could be a favour’ for the Blues, who are keen to offload both Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. Both players are not believed to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans and were linked with summer moves away, but transfers to Fulham and Bournemouth respectively fell through in the final knockings of the summer window. Neom SC have reportedly already tabled a £17.3m offer for Disasi.
Saudi Pro League boost Chelsea were hoping for?
Sealing permanent departures for both Sterling and Disasi could be huge as Maresca continues in his aim to trim his bloated squad of players. Limiting the number of big-name stars who are not a part of the first-team setup is important for any successful side, while the impact of getting high-earning Sterling off the wage bill should not be underestimated.
It may not be all good news though. Sport also claim that Saudi Arabia are targeting a move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, for whom the Blues rejected a €50m (£43m) offer from Al-Qadsiah earlier this summer. The Blues’ insistence on rejecting such a major offer shows their determination to keep hold of the 21-year-old midfielder, who scored 11 goals on loan at Strasbourg last season, but an increased offer could yet change this reality.
Sterling reportedly rejected an approach from Saudi Arabia earlier in the summer, while it is believed that Santos views his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad with Brazil as higher as a Chelsea player. It remains to be seen whether either of the pair or Disasi can be convinced of a move to the Middle East this month.