Why would I sign? - Carragher questions players for joining Chelsea
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Jamie Carragher has criticised Chelsea for the expected signing of Joao Felix (Credit: Sky Sports/IMAGO)

Why would I sign? - Carragher questions players for joining Chelsea

Seye Omidiora 10:06 - 20.08.2024

Jamie Carragher has laid into the West London club’s squad building as they near the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised Chelsea’s chaotic squad building under the Clearlake-Todd Boehly ownership. 

Chelsea set to add Joao Felix to a large squad

The London club's recent transfer activity has left many pundits baffled, with the club's squad ballooning to an astonishing 35 players, including six goalkeepers, with the potential addition of Joao Felix further exacerbating the situation.

Joao Felix
Joao Felix could not sparkle consistently at Chelsea during a six-month spell in 2023 (Credit: Imago)

While the departures of Conor Gallagher and possibly Trevoh Chalobah could alleviate some pressure, the manner in which they are being pushed out rather than leaving voluntarily highlights the chaotic nature of the club's operations.

What Carragher said about Chelsea’s transfer activity

Carragher has concerns about the size of the dressing room, believing the sheer number of players is hindering effective team building and competition for places, essential elements of a high-performing squad.

Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville on Monday Night Football (Credit: Sky Sports)

The retired defender then questioned why players keep moving to Stamford Bridge. 

"Chelsea have just got to stop buying players, and players have got to stop signing for Chelsea,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. “If I was a player, I'd think 'why I would sign?'. 

"The only reason you would sign is because your agent might say, ‘We're getting a seven-year deal on big money, that's guaranteed money for seven years.

Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher remains unsure of Chelsea's logic in the transfer market (Credit: Sky Sports)

"You know what I would say? Back yourself, sign a four-year deal at a proper club. When you're due for renewal, your money goes up anyway.

"It's not a young and exciting team. They've bought Joao Felix, where's he going to play? They signed Pedro Neto a week ago, where's he going to play when you've got Cole Palmer already?”

What comes next?

Results on the pitch have been discouraging, as only one pre-season victory and an opening-day Premier League 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday already causing disgruntlement among the club’s fanbase. 

Chelsea face Servette in the Conference League on Thursday before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 25, keen to return to winning ways.