Chelsea appointed the club legend Frank Lampard as their head coach in 2019. After sacking Maurizio Sarri just after one season as the manager at Chelsea, the club decided to appoint Frank Lampard. However, things got worse when Chelsea was hit by a two-window transfer ban. That is the 2019 summer transfer ban and 2019-20 winter transfer ban. Things got worse for the club when Chelsea’s star player Eden Hazard left the club to join the Spanish giants Real Madrid on a transfer fee of €146.1 million with additional fees. Chelsea was left with a new and inexperienced manager without their best player in recent years and with a transfer ban, meaning no new Chelsea signings till the 2020 summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s 2019/20 season in all competitions
Despite everything, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea managed to finish in the top 4 in the Premier League season 2019/20. How did Chelsea manage without any new signings? Frank Lampard was forced to put his faith in the academy players of Chelsea. He called on Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, and later in the season Billy Gilmour. These players were promising for Chelsea. Tammy Abraham got off with a great start and was the top scorer in the Premier League till the first few game-weeks. He even finished as Chelsea’s top-scorer. Mason Mount was impressive throughout the season plating his role perfectly as Number 10. Although Billy Gilmour made his Premier League debut in August, he was added in the first-team squad only in February. He made his mark against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup tie, where Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-0. However, he was left out of the squad because of his injury. Chelsea however, went trophyless in the season 2019/20.
- Finished 4th in the Premier League
- Knocked out of UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich on a 7-1 aggregate score.
- Lost the Emirates FA Cup final 2-1 against Arsenal.
- Knocked out of EFL Cup by Manchester United by 2-1.
Chelsea’s new signings
Hakim Ziyech from Ajax
The 27 years old Morrocan international Hakim Ziyech signed for Chelsea for a transfer fee of €40 million on a five-year contract. Hakim Ziyech impressed everyone with his performance for Ajax Amsterdam. He played 165 games for Ajax in which he has scored 48 goals also providing 82 assists. He is very quick on the wings and his vision in through balls is astounding. Hakim Ziyech can play on right-wing and also as an attacking midfielder. However, with Willian’s transfer to Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal, Hakim Ziyech can replace Willian on the right-wing. He also has 3.25 dribbles per 90 minutes, which was surely missing from Chelsea’s squad since Eden Hazard’s departure.
Timo Werner from RB Leipzig
In July Chelsea made another signing after Hakim Ziyech. They signed Timo Werner from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of £47.5 million. The German international made his mark for RB Leipzig with his consistent performances for the club. He was also called for the German national team in 2017 after his success at RB Leipzig. Timo Werner has scored 95 goals in his 159 games for his former club, also providing 40 assists. Chelsea were surely missing a world-class striker since Diego Costa’s departure in 2017. They tried to fill the void with various players like Alvaro Morata, Olivier Giroud, Gonzalo Higuain. However, they failed to live up to their expectations. They surely have high hopes from Timo Werner. Now that Chelsea has signed Timo Werner, which means Tammy Abraham will be their second choice striker who was impressive in his first season at Chelsea.
Ben Chilwell from Leicester City
Ben Chilwell is one of another Chelsea signings. They signed him from Leicester City on a five-year contract for £50 million. Ben Chilwell will be England’s first-choice left-back at the Euros. The 23-year-old has played 123 games for Leicester City scoring four goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. In his Leicester City career in the Premier League, he has kept 24 clean-sheets. He is an ideal modern football left-back with good attacking as well as defensive skills. Marcos Alonso is struggling in recent seasons for Chelsea. Ben Chilwell is the perfect candidate to replace him and book his place in the playing XI straight way.
Malang Sarr from Nice
Chelsea struggled defensive throughout the last season. It was their defense that let them down in the knockout games in various competitions. More than attackers Chelsea needed good defenders in their squad for next season. Malang Sarr is very strong physically. His ball holding and ball interceptions are very strong. Although, everyone will be keen to see if he gets his place in the playing XI right away, or will he have to perform and prove his worth. In my opinion, Frank Lampard should give him the chance and let him adapt in the Premier League as quickly as possible.
Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain (Pending)
Although it is not yet official, it is claimed by many journalists that Chelsea have signed the Brazilian defender. The 36 years old Centre Back has already made his move from the French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea needed to make their defense stronger. They went on to sign two young defenders. Now, they need some experience in the defense alongside their captain Cesar Azpilicueta. Thiago Silva will be perfect at the back. He is a leader and a very experienced defender. Silva is good in aerial duels, which makes him carry the threat in attacking during the set-pieces.
Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen (Pending)
Another player pending in Chelsea signings is Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz. The 21 years old German international was very impressive in Bundesliga. In 118 games, he has 36 goals and 25 assists. Kai Havertz plays as an attacking midfielder. With young Mason Mount already in the squad, did Chelsea needed to buy another young player in the same position? Without a doubt, Chelsea will be spending close to £100 million to buy Kai Havertz. However, he is a great player who will certainly bring creativity in the Chelsea midfield.
Frank Lampard has made some big transfers this season. This new Chelsea squad looks very exciting to watch. However, the new squad also has its disadvantages. Players tend to take time to know each other in the field. The chemistry lacks between the new players. Let’s see how Chelsea might line-up for next season.
