Chelsea

Graham Potter was left with a tricky balancing act after the club brought in eight players during the January transfer window. Chelsea were able to register ...

The move has not worked out for either party. Bettinelli has played one game for Chelsea since joining in 2021. Chelsea, who face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 had selected only 24 players for the group stage and given themselves more wriggle room by selling Jorginho to Arsenal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang omitted from Chelseas Champions League squad; Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix included but Benoit Badiashile not ...

The 33-year-old has not started for Chelsea since their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on November 6. Chelsea made eight signings in January for a combined total of £323.3m. Clubs had to inform UEFA of their desired squad changes by 11pm on Thursday, February 2.

Mykhailo Mudryk, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix have all been added to Chelsea's Champions League for the latter stages of the competition, ...

[Mykhailo Mudryk](https://theathletic.com/football/player/mykhailo-mudryk-q8qemKXwIpkC0AL6/), [Enzo Fernandez](https://theathletic.com/football/player/enzo-fernandez-mA2LkzPdMOcVkFoZ/) and [Joao Felix](https://theathletic.com/football/player/joao-felix-ucCJXAWiq0yowCTd/) have all been added to [Chelsea](https://theathletic.com/football/team/chelsea/)’s [Champions League](https://theathletic.com/football/champions-league/) for the latter stages of the competition, while [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang](https://theathletic.com/football/player/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-PlxW6clTOC8TqmBP/) has been left out to make space. The return fixture in west London takes place on March 7. But also that they’re patient and make sure they’re ready to play.” [Jorginho](https://theathletic.com/football/player/jorginho-MvC0hVi06208wo5E/) leaving for [Arsenal](https://theathletic.com/football/team/arsenal/), that left 23 spaces — meaning another player had to be omitted in order for Chelsea to register the full allocation of three new players. [Premier League](https://theathletic.com/football/premier-league/) squad due to being aged 21 or younger, UEFA rules for the Champions League state that players have to have been at the club for at least two years to be eligible for this exemption. [David Datro Fofana](https://theathletic.com/football/player/david-datro-fofana-AzpJzDsCd1yhxZ0m/), [Noni Madueke](https://theathletic.com/football/player/noni-madueke-bfsAkwxuePTQfa0b/), [Andrey Santos](https://theathletic.com/football/player/andrey-santos-BhUzmXKfJMZnJAYD/), [Gabriel Slonina](https://theathletic.com/football/player/gabriel-slonina-rrKqkYQngAGjfrKc/) and [Benoit Badiashile](https://theathletic.com/football/player/benoit-badiashile-PjQKdFS2LzolyOLX/) have also been left out of Graham Potter’s 25-man European squad.

Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp said he cannot understand how Chelsea were able to spend what they did in the January transfer window, insisting it is best ...

The time between these two extremes, you have to fight through it." "One of the best examples is Marcus Rashford (at Manchester United), the season he had last year and this year. I don't understand how it's possible, but it's not for me to explain how it works."

Todd Boehly's consortium has spent over £500m on players since arriving at Stamford Bridge, including a British record £106.8m on Enzo Fernandez.

“The players they brought in, I didn’t think once: ‘Why did they do that?’. I don’t forget, eight or nine teams in the Premier League sent a letter to the Premier League (for us) to be banned. That is the reality.” However, it’s a big number in the last two windows. Hopefully you all know exactly how it works, and then it’s fine.” That is what really counts to us.

He's now one of the world's most expensive players but new Chelsea signing Mykhailo Mudryk could well have been wearing the white shirt of Dundalk a couple ...

“It’s hilarious but it’s true,” the Italian said when asked about possibly signing Mudryk a number of years back. “He was one of the many young players we studied all over the world.” He’s now one of the world’s most expensive players but new Chelsea signing Mykhailo Mudryk could well have been wearing the white shirt of Dundalk a couple of years back.

Chelsea and Benfica chiefs almost got into a physical confrontation over the future of Enzo Fernandez according to stunning reports in Portugal.

Together, we will look to achieve everything the club wants and take it to the next level. We tried to insist, but the player did not show any openness to continuing at Benfica. Things then reportedly came to a head between the two clubs, with reports that chiefs of both sides were close to physical confrontation in a bitter dispute. [ flying back to Argentina](/sport/football/article-11592511/Enzo-Fernandez-defies-Benfica-making-Argentina-trip-New-Year-Chelsea-push-106m-star.html) to celebrate the New Year as he pushed for a move to England. [The Argentine World Cup winner made the switch to Stamford Bridge for an eye-watering British record fee worth £107m on deadline day.](/sport/football/article-11699173/Chelsea-sign-Enzo-Fernandez-Benfica-British-record-107m.html) When Chelsea arrived, it was really impossible to change his mind.'

The Argentina midfielder became the most expensive player in British football history in switching to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day and was named the ...

Chelsea confirm their 25-man squad for the knockout phase of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League. Signings Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk are ...

British record signing Enzo Fernandez makes his Chelsea debut but cannot help his new side to victory as they are held by Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

- Shots - Squad number31Player nameDiopAverage rating - Squad number17Player nameLenoAverage rating - Squad number6Player nameReedAverage rating - Squad number17Player nameSterlingAverage rating - Squad number27Player nameFofanaAverage rating - Squad number31Player nameMaduekeAverage rating - Squad number24Player nameJamesAverage rating - Squad number4Player nameBadiashileAverage rating - Squad number1Player nameArrizabalagaAverage rating - Squad number5Player nameFernándezAverage rating The World Cup winner has enjoyed a meteoric rise since moving to Benfica from River Plate for £8.8m last summer and has been bought by Chelsea to strengthen their midfield.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on February 3, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.

Hakim Ziyech plays a delightful ball over the top to Kai Havertz who lifts it over Leno but his effort rattles the post and goes back into play! The visitors defended superbly - particularly in the second half as they frustrated a Chelsea side eager to kick start a good run of form. The 20-year-old was able to take it around goalkeeper Bernd Leno before striking towards goal but Tim Ream was on hand with a goal-saving clearance. It was the closest the Argentine came to getting his first goal for the club. It was the first warning shot from Marco Silva's side who looked to pose a threat on the counter. Fernandez came close to a dream debut goal after 70 minutes as his whipped effort from distance flew just past the far post.

Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea debut ended in anti-climax as Fulham earned a worthy 0-0 draw against Graham Potter's side at Stamford Bridge.

The moment Chelsea fans craved almost arrived with 20 minutes remaining. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Chelsea’s moment looked to have arrived. It was a let-off for Chelsea, whose defence had afforded Pereira too much space.

Graham Potter's side fail to produce the kind of football befitting a transfer window spend of over £500m.

Madueke went to the right and Sterling, stationed on the left, became the latest to try his luck against the tenacious Tete. Bored out of his mind, Mitrovic then tried to score from the halfway line. With 10 minutes left the young Ivorian striker almost won it, racing through and rounding Leno, only for Tim Ream to clear his shot off the line. It was Fernández who sparked one of Chelsea’s better moment of the opening period, his ball over the top sending Mason Mount through to cross for Kai Havertz, who stretched and fired over from close range. The shot was blocked and Palhinha drilled the rebound over. Palhinha picked up yet another booking after cleaning out Mount and there was also the moment when Fulham’s assistant coach, Luis Boa Morte, exchanged some furious words on the touchline with one of Potter’s lieutenants, Bjorn Hamberg. Fernández was quickly involved, catching the eye with his switches of play, even showing appetite for the battle when he refused to let Aleksandar Mitrovic intimidate him early on. Reminders of the past jostled with the future. Rustiness did not appear to be a problem for the man pulling the strings for Chelsea in midfield. Is this, in the words of Paris Saint-Germain, a “Class A circus”? Does anyone know what Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plans to get up to when Chelsea face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League? It must have been quite the comedown for the hierarchy.

Shot-shy Kai Havertz was the focal point of their attack on Friday night but failed to even find the target with a succession of decent first half chances.

When Fernandez brilliantly whipped a dipping shot inches wide the Fulham faithful bravely chanted 'what a waste of money.' Their crowd briefly made some noise and we had the prospect of a thrilling finale. The Ivorian forward nearly won it when he rounded keeper Bernd Leno but his shot could not beat retreating defender Tim Ream. The only position Chelsea obviously needed to spend big on was a reliable goalscoring forward. The surprise inclusion was forward Hakim Ziyech, who spent deadline day in Paris waiting in vain for Chelsea officials to get the right forms filed to PSG so he could get out of the mad house. When your mid-table club (Chelsea are now ninth) outspends the combined financial might of France, Germany, Italy and Spain in a transfer window, it makes for an appointment to view.

CHELSEA 0-0 FULHAM: The Blues took on their local rivals at Stamford Bridge in desperate search of the kind of win that boss Graham Potter will hope ...

[Graham Potter's](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/graham-potter) men welcomed local rivals [Fulham](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/fulham-fc) to Stamford Bridge in the unfamiliar position of being sat below their neighbours in the [Premier League](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/premier-league) table. It ended all square in the form of a 0-0 draw that saw both sides squander chances. His rapid pace was on display once again, but it would be disingenuous to ignore some of his more 'raw' technical attributes. [Marco Silva's](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/marco-silva) men did a good job of nulifying Chelsea's attacking threat while playing to their own strengths. [Chelsea](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/chelsea-fc) were given their first opportunity since the transfer window shut to show off their expensive new signing after forking out an astonishing £323million in January. The Cottagers actually started the clash the better of the two, but it was a scrappy affair that arguably better suited the visitors.

Blues' club-record signing Fernandez makes impressive debut but honours even at Stamford Bridge.

[Chelsea](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/4/Chelsea/overview) were held to an entertaining goalless draw by [Fulham](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/34/Fulham/overview) at Stamford Bridge. [Aleksandar Mitrovic](https://www.premierleague.com/players/5879/Aleksandar-Mitrovic/stats) came close with an audacious lob from the halfway line, while Chelsea pushed hard for a late breakthrough. [Southampton](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/20/Southampton/overview) face a tough trip to [Brentford](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/130/Brentford/overview), who are unbeaten in eight Premier League matches, and [Liverpool](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/10/Liverpool/overview) travel to [Wolverhampton Wanderers](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/38/Wolverhampton-Wanderers/overview). [Aston Villa](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/2/Aston-Villa/overview) welcome [Leicester City](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/26/Leicester-City/overview), while victory for [Brighton & Hove Albion](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/131/Brighton-and-Hove-Albion/overview) against [AFC Bournemouth](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/127/Bournemouth/overview) would move the Seagulls to within two points of Spurs in fifth. [Manchester City](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/11/Manchester-City/overview), who face [Tottenham Hotspur](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/21/Tottenham-Hotspur/overview) on Sunday. [Newcastle United](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/23/Newcastle-United/overview) and [Manchester United](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/12/Manchester-United/overview) looking to stay within touching distance of the top. [Everton](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/7/Everton/overview), led by new manager [Sean Dyche](https://www.premierleague.com/managers/8250/Sean-Dyche/overview), taking on leaders [Arsenal](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/1/Arsenal/overview). [West Ham United](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/25/West-Ham-United/overview) side hovering one point above the drop zone, while Man Utd, in fourth, face [Crystal Palace](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/6/Crystal-Palace/overview) at Old Trafford. [David Fofana](https://www.premierleague.com/players/112581/David-Datro-Fofana/stats) was denied a debut goal by [Tim Ream](https://www.premierleague.com/players/4276/Tim-Ream/stats)'s goalline clearance. [Kepa Arrizabalaga](https://www.premierleague.com/players/11373/Kepa-Arrizabalaga/stats) making a fingertip save to deny Fulham's [Andreas Pereira](https://www.premierleague.com/players/10476/Andreas-Pereira/stats). [Enzo Fernandez](https://www.premierleague.com/players/63741/Enzo-Fern%C3%A1ndez/stats) made his Chelsea debut following his [club-record arrival on Deadline Day](https://www.premierleague.com/news/3043376), while [Mykhailo Mudryk](https://www.premierleague.com/players/53991/Mykhailo-Mudryk/stats) started for the first time. [Noni Madueke](https://www.premierleague.com/players/67407/Noni-Madueke/stats) replaced Mudryk for the second half, and in so doing became the 31st player used by Chelsea in the Premier League this season, their most in a campaign since 1996/97.

The draw leaves Chelsea 20 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal having played two games more than the Gunners.

"New players are adapting to a new country and a new league. When the price tag is what it is questions will be asked, it's the nature of the business." When players have been injured they have not been on the training pitch. “The spirit of the players was really good. “We feel we have a very strong group of players. "There was a lot of excitement and positivity from the start, a good atmosphere,” Potter said.

The Premier League teams drew a blank at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez showed the initiative that had been missing from the home side’s attack to whip a spectacular first-time effort shot beyond Leno’s dive and fractionally past the post. Willian, a two-time Premier League winner during his days at Stamford Bridge, evaded the otherwise impressive Benoit Badiashile and broke forward down the left. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Chelsea’s moment looked to have arrived.

Chelsea included new signings Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk in their team to face Fulham but were held to a goalless draw; Gary Neville: Everything was ...

"They chose to have that because it keeps everyone believing they can play. I think it's because Graham Potter hasn't had time to work with them." People get it wrong when they talk about City and say 'the squad they've got' quality yes, but in terms of numbers you're talking about 20-21 players. "He's going to need some time here. But it feels like what they've done in the transfer market is the opposite of that. I'm not saying he'll lose his job if he doesn't but there has to be an improvement.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on February 3, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.

Hakim Ziyech plays a delightful ball over the top to Kai Havertz who lifts it over Leno but his effort rattles the post and goes back into play! The visitors defended superbly - particularly in the second half as they frustrated a Chelsea side eager to kick start a good run of form. The 20-year-old was able to take it around goalkeeper Bernd Leno before striking towards goal but Tim Ream was on hand with a goal-saving clearance. It was the closest the Argentine came to getting his first goal for the club. It was the first warning shot from Marco Silva's side who looked to pose a threat on the counter. Fernandez came close to a dream debut goal after 70 minutes as his whipped effort from distance flew just past the far post.

Rival managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have expressed their bafflement over Chelsea's recent levels of spending.

"The players they brought in, I didn’t think once: ‘Why did they do that?’. That is the reality." I don’t forget, eight or nine teams in the Premier League sent a letter to the Premier League (for us) to be banned. "I don’t know how the rules exactly are to be 100%. However, it’s a big number in the last two windows. That is what really counts to us.

LONDON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez shone on his debut and some other new faces hinted at their potential but, after a 300 million pounds ...

and what we can do as a team," the Portuguese coach said. we deserved the result." Chelsea are currently nine points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story "From the first minute the players understood really well the plan and they executed really well," Silva said. "What we need to do now is gel the team.

Chelsea started Enzo Fernandez and Mykaylo Mudryk for the first time against Fulham on Friday night, but failed to find a winner despite a more promising ...

We’re still in the process of building up his minutes, he’s had a long break and that was the decision there.” The [Ukraine](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/ukraine) international is still getting up to full speed after a lengthy break and flickered in and out before being removed at the break. It’s where we are at the moment, but things to work forward and things to improve.” He doesn’t know us, we don’t know him so well but I think you can see flashes of his quality and personality. But despite the presence of Britain’s most expensive ever player Fernandez, and £88m-man Mudryk, the Blues failed to break down [Fulham](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/fulham-fc). The World Cup winner almost toasted a positive debut with a stunning goal, but saw his second-half shot go narrowly wide.

Ex-Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has explained why he is "worried" about Chelsea signing World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

But football is very different and very special and the new owner of Chelsea will experience that.” “I doubt the player was his first choice, but that’s how the top works now. Or a number eight, or a ten. “Todd Boehly doesn’t know anything about football. Fernandez has enjoyed an extraordinary rise over the past couple of months. They have comfortably been the biggest spenders in world football as around £550m has been splashed out by the club’s owners since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has said he remains "confident" his side can make a push to qualify for Champions League football next season, d.

"I think you have to look at it all in terms of transfer fees and salaries" Potter said. "That's the challenge, that's what we have to do. I need to focus on the next day, the training session and the next game." "He doesn't know us, we don't know him so well but I think you can see flashes of his quality and personality. "What we need to do now is gel the team," Potter added. When asked if he was confident the team could still qualify for next season's Champions League, Potter said: "I'm confident with the potential we have.

GRAEME SOUNESS: They have just paid a British record £105million for Enzo Fernandez on the strength of a mere 29 games for Benfica and a part in Argentina's ...

It is great to have players tied down on seven-and-a-half and eight-and-a-half-year contracts if it works out and they become proper Chelsea players but I guarantee you not all of them will. The old mill town feels like a place on the up, with Rovers going well in the Championship. Time will tell how all of this ends for Potter, Chelsea and Fernandez but the signs are not great, despite that enormous outlay. In my experience of managing in Europe, I can honestly say I can never recall a club actually meeting the clause. I didn’t anticipate the dip at the bottom of the M62 and Peter grabbed on to the dashboard in fear! Alarm bells rang for me about Chelsea as soon as Boehly appointed himself ‘interim sporting director’ and decided, in his infinite wisdom, that he did not need three people at the club who had been so successful at running it. There will be some enormous egos in there, yet he could include only three of the eight January arrivals in his Champions League squad. A premium because it is the Premier League calling. The unique thing about this deal is that Chelsea have actually gone and met the entire valuation clause, because they want him right now. I met Liverpool manager Bob Paisley and general secretary Peter Robinson at the Queens Hotel in Leeds and Peter was in the passenger seat when I drove on to Liverpool. They will say it is £150m and will end up settling for £60m. Benfica are the biggest club in Portugal and are simply not confronted every week by the fierce physical challenge Chelsea always get.

Enzo Fernandez, the Premier League's record signee, enjoyed a promising debut for Chelsea, though familiar issues in front of goal remain.

[David Datro Fofana](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/301047/david-datro-fofana) went close late on, when he showed skill in rounding goalkeeper [Bernd Leno](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/153765/Bernd-Leno) only for [Tim Ream](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/146290/Tim-Ream) to block his shot on the line. [Enzo Fernandez](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/285450/Enzo-Fernández), the new Premier League record signee who arrived in the final minutes of Tuesday's transfer deadline day. Fulham fans are wrong -- for a start, there are three Premier League sides in west London -- but Fulham remain on top of the pack. That rate is even more shocking when you consider no Premier League club has taken a higher percentage of their shots inside the box over that span (76.4%). will be using this week to train and for his new players to get to know each other before they travel to West Ham for a London derby on Feb. Left out were new boys [Malo Gusto](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/308947/Malo-Gusto) and [Andrey Santos](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/314858/Andrey-Santos), with Joao Felix absent due to a red card on his debut. He failed to convert a diving shot at the back post early on, and then missed again moments later with a turn and volley. Last month, they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Craven Cottage in what was their first Premier League victory over the Blues since March 2006. 11) and Tottenham (Feb. [Highlights and notable moments](#highlights) [Best/worst performers](#bestworst) [Kai Havertz](http://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231182/Kai-Havertz) missed a trio of chances in the first half as Chelsea were frustrated by a resolute, counterattacking Fulham side.

But the arrival of Hernan Crespo as coach would give them a pull they'd never had before and lead the club to unprecedented success. Against all odds, the team ...

"To give 0.1 per cent of what is happening, because the rest is all his... Emotional." Enzo makes me emotional. Asked about an interview with Enzo's father following the goal, Crespo said: "The dad makes me emotional. Everything that we were sharing." [win the World Cup](https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/9924433/argentina-france-messi-wins-world-cup-mbappe/) and secure a Premier League record move to Chelsea in just six months.

Is Chelsea Setting the Market, or Breaking It? The Premier League club's American owners have splashed roughly $750 million on new players since last year.

The deal had been in the works for a week or so. In the rest of Europe, the fear is a little more material. In interviews with a dozen executives at teams both in the Premier League and across Europe, all of whom spoke with The New York Times anonymously because they did not wish to be seen commenting on another team’s business strategy, few could immediately discern the logic of Chelsea’s approach. Among Chelsea’s peers and rivals, the reaction to the club’s spending spree on players has been one of puzzlement. The issue was raised at a meeting of UEFA’s executive board last month, and several teams have since contacted Andrea Traverso, the organization’s head of licensing, to ask European soccer’s governing body what action it plans to take to close the loophole. Though clubs pay the vast majority of a transfer fee upfront — or in a handful of installments over a couple of years — the price of the acquisition is often spread over the duration of the player’s contract, a process known as amortization. In several of its most expensive deals, Chelsea has sought to use that accounting to its advantage. Their preferred mechanism, it seems, has been to defer the official cost of the deals. Arsenal had been discussing the terms of a deal with Shakhtar for some time, and Mudryk had even seemed to welcome his imminent transfer on Instagram. Chelsea’s offer, Palkin said, had been more “concrete” than Arsenal’s: It had offered to pay the nine-figure fee for Mudryk over two years instead of the four Arsenal had proposed. That took Chelsea’s outlay in January alone to more than $370 million, the kind of spending that is criticized when done by oligarchs and nation states. Amrabat would, in the end, be a rare miss in what has been an eye-watering, gasp-inducing month of spending from Eghbali, Boehly and Chelsea.