Chelsea FC’s Summer Moves Point To Clear Season Goals

Arguably no other Premier League team had quite the summer of Chelsea. After selling defender David Luiz for a staggering $66 million (a record for a defender) and finally departing with striker Romelu Lukaku, the Blues swung for the fences by grabbing Cesc Fabregas ($50 million) from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid pair Diego Costa ($53 million) and Filipe Luis ($33 million), and club legend Didier Drogba on a free transfer.

What this means is that Jose Mourinho has a very clear task in front of him: win titles.

After playing third fiddle and, more importantly, spoiler in last year’s Premier League title chase, the Blues are now favorites for the league. An exit in the semifinals of the Champions League did little to please fans. Add in early exits in the F.A. Cup and Capital One Cup and Chelsea went without a title.

This summer, the team added immense depth to it’s attacking front. After years without a striker thanks to the failures of Fernando Torres, Costa appears to be the missing piece they’ve sought. Despite a disappointing summer with Spain, Costa is coming off a remarkable season that saw him score 36 goals in 54 appearances and help lead Atletico to within minutes of a Champions League title. While Drogba is certainly past his prime, he was more than serviceable with 14 goals last season at Galatasary.

The addition of Fabregas gives Mourinho another attacking midfield option, which he certainly wasn’t lacking. Always the forgotten midfielder at Barca behind Andres Iniesta and Xavi, Fabregas still had 16 assists last season. Paired with Oscar, Chelsea has one of the best central attacking cores in the league. Add in the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, and Andre Schurrle and Chelsea are stock full of attackers.

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The only weakness with Chelsea may be in their defense. After selling Luiz, they are left with John Terry and Gary Cahill in the center of defense. While Cahill is coming off arguably his best season and still in his prime, John Terry is on the wrong side of his prime at 33. Furthermore, their lack of depth at the position is concerning. With a lack of proven talent behind the duo, another center back signing could be in the future before the close of the transfer window.

Their biggest strength, however, is in goal. It’s not often that the player voted goalkeeper of the season in the Premier League takes a backseat, but it’s not often you add someone the talent of Thibaut Courtois. After a handful of seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, Courtois returns to his home club in Stamford Bridge. Regardless of the state of the defense, the Blues will never have to question their quality in goal.

What this all adds up to, despite the concerns in the back, is a side extremely capable of winning trophies this season. Their depth will be key in Europe, and anything less than the knockout stages is a massive disappointment. Back home, a trophy of some sort, whether in the league or one of the domestic tournaments, is a necessity. Considering the Special One’s track record, the Blues will be raising silverware next season.