New Delhi: Fresh off lifting the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, Chelsea are riding high on confidence, but the real question now looms: can they carry the momentum into the new Premier League season?
Winning the Club World Cup is not a small achievement given the weather conditions in the USA, but the demands of the Premier League are relentless and unforgiving. While the trophy in the USA added another piece of silverware to the cabinet, it also raised expectations of fans.
Chelsea’s squad have depth, experience, and world-class talent, but converting potential into consistency has often been the club’s biggest challenge in recent campaigns. With rivals strengthening their squad and the league being much more competitive than ever, the margin for error is shrinking every day.
As the Blues return to Premier League action, all eyes will be on whether their momentum can fuel a serious title push or if global glory will remain a high point at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Can Chelsea turn their massive summer spending into a Premier League Title?
Chelsea finished in fourth position with 69 points in the Premier League last season. They also lifted two trophies: the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. These trophies mark huge progress for the Blues after a couple of disappointing seasons. They have signed eight players in the summer transfer window so far and renewed their attack with big names like Joao Pedro (€63.7 million), Dário Essugo (€22.3 million) and experienced Liam Delap (€35.5m).
The club averaged nearly 12 major signings per season in the first three years of the new ownership, representing a whirlwind of constant rebuilding. But with so many new faces arriving at the club, will Chelsea finally decide their squad is ready to challenge for the Premier League title?
Challenge of squad stability amid massive turnover
The club faces a difficult challenge with constant changes in its squad. While the owners are willing to spend significant money on new talent and promising players, frequently swapping out players can create insecurity in the minds of players. Consistency is key in the Premier League and Champions League, but with constant changes in the squad, it is harder for such a large group of players to build strong connections and perform well every week in both competitions.
Chelsea have faced difficulty in sustaining momentum during the last season. Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have performed brilliantly for the club, with some flashes of brilliance from other players. Palmer has netted 18 goals and 13 assists, while Caicedo’s ball recoveries and progressive passing rank him among the league’s best.
If the club wants to win a Premier League title, the management needs to maintain a core group of players, while integrating new additions effectively will be key.
Chelsea’s steady progress under Maresca
Two years ago, Chelsea finished in the 12th position, but under Enzo Maresca’s management, they are building a squad capable of challenging for the top spot. With firepower, tactical flexibility, and the belief that comes from a notable win, a title challenge feels no longer out of reach. However, the club remains cautious as there are no title demands from the board yet, and reminders of the need to stay humble are woven into the culture.
Balancing ambition with financial reality
The club believes in their process, and the trading of players can look ruthless, but the model of handing out heavily incentivised contracts has made it easier to move players who are no longer required. Noni Madueke has transferred to Arsenal for an initial £48m, and there were no issues in moving João Félix to Saudi Arabia. A bigger challenge for Chelsea is to find clubs for Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku. Both players were signed on big wages before the club shifted their contract policy.
The new signings also depend on more sales, with Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka looking for fresh starts. Chelsea want to strengthen their attack by signing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, but after being fined by UEFA for breaching financial fair play, the club need to sell Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Tyrique George.