Criticism of Chelsea’s transfer policy under Todd Boehly, who has spent more than £1 billion on 39 players, seems to have died down a bit in recent months as the club shows glimpses of potential.
Enzo Maresca’s side had a great run of form that saw them touted as being in the title race. While that has dropped off, there are still positives to take from a young squad, with Cole Palmer the obvious standout.
Despite realistically dropping out of the title race, the club still have a great chance of earning Champions League football by breaking into the top 4, with the club now odds on amongst bookmakers to do this.
Online betting expert Ciaran McEneaney explains that the top online bookmakers can also offer incentives to improve odds or stakes for Chelseas in the remaining part of the season, and Card Player details the best site deals.
If Chelsea can guarantee Champions League football next season, it could mean even more investment in the playing squad, with two Brazilian full-backs already being discussed.
Jefte
Reports in the Scottish press recently linked Chelsea with a move for Rangers’ 21-year-old Brazilian left-back Jefte. The young defender has adapted well to the physical nature of the Scottish game and has put in impressive performances domestically and in Europe.
While traditional Brazilian full-backs like Cafu and Roberto Carlos were as famous for their skill and attacking attributes, it is Jefte’s physicality that has helped him stand out.
At 6ft tall, he has provided a good aerial threat for Rangers and has also chipped in with 2 assists from his 21 league games this season.
After enjoying a loan spell in Cyprus with APOEL, Jefte moved to Rangers from Fluminense for a fee of just under £700,000. The club will hope to cash in on a player after seeing a number of key players leave for nothing in the last few years.
While there have not been any reports of a transfer fee yet, Rangers will look at the money being spent by Chelsea and other Premiership teams and demand a decent fee for a player with a lot of potential.
Rangers’ best deals in recent years have involved young prospects including Nathan Patterson who moved to Everton for around £16 million and Calvin Bassey who moved to Ajax for around £23 million.
The club will be hopeful that a similar price could be agreed if the player moves down south at the end of the season.
Denner
Another Brazilian full-back being linked with a move to Chelsea is Denner who currently plays at Corinthians. The 16-year-old would not be able to move to Chelsea until he turns 18 in 2026 and represents another example of Chelsea snapping up exciting young talent.
At 21, Jefte would be able to challenge for a place straight away after having a full season in Scotland and getting lots of European experience. Denner could be a project for the future, but having another Brazilian around could make the transition easier.
A fee of around £10 million is being discussed, with add-ons for performance-related targets.
Chelsea’s Current Full Backs
Chelsea currently have Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell as their left-backs. Chilwell had looked like a good signing but continued injury problems have limited his opportunities.
Cucurella joined for £55 million in 2022 after impressing with Brighton but found it difficult to replicate his form. However, he has appeared to transform his fortunes and eye-catching appearances for Spain in their successful Euro 2024 campaign saw him named in the team of the tournament.
It is likely that if Jefte does move, he will be behind Cucarella in the pecking order and the club might look to move Chilwell on to comply with financial fair play regulations.
