The Summer That Chelsea Don't Need the Transfer Market

The 2015-2016 campaign is the year Chelsea should finally start implementing youth talent. It's time to pull back some loanees, and promote some academy players. Next season is the chance for Chelsea to become a club that builds its own talent, and put them directly into the first team.

While it is likely that Chelsea will enter the transfer market for a few players, with several other players seeking exit, the Blues should look to remedy certain positions with talent from it's own ranks. I can't see a better season to do so, or a group of talent thats more ready to make an impact.

Next season is likely to spell the end to Didier Drogba's playing career. If Chelsea win the title this season, he will most likely hang up his boots, in favor of a coaching role. Perhaps he may be a player-coach, similar to Ryan Giggs at Manchester United. Either way it is likely that his playing impact will be mostly over. This would typically trigger Chelsea to enter the market for a third striker. However, this season they should not be so hasty. They have a ready-made third striker in Patrick Bamford. The young Englishman on loan to Middlesborough this season has been setting the Championship alight. Why spend money on a striker who is likely to not see much of the field anyway? Incorporate Bamford into the first team, let him learn from strikers like Costa, Remy, and Drogba as a coach or player. I firmly believe Bamford is our Harry Kane, and it would be silly to leave him on loan, and allow another club to benefit from his undeniable talent. Bring back Bamford should be Mourinho’s first move this summer.

The next step is to find more depth in the center defensive midfield. Mourinho has beat me to the punch on this next move. Let Ruben Loftus-Cheek fight for his spot. The talented Englishman is more than capable of being a backup for Matic and Fabregas, and I think as Oscar tends to go in and out of form, Loftus-Cheek can see more of the field next season. I also think that Nathan Ake will be a big squad player for the Blues. He can play in this role, while also deputizing center back and left back. A player this experienced and versatile for his age, should be implemented as soon as possible. I think that the combination of Loftus-Cheek, Ake, and Ramires will be enough to hold down the the center defensive midfield position in the absence of Matic and Fabregas. Therefore, Chelsea need not enter the market for a new CDM.

Another option in this position and a bit higher up the pitch as well, is loanee Marco Van Ginkel. There is no doubt in my mind that this player has potential. While struggling to find consistent form after his injury last season, he is still brimming with talent. A coach like Jose is exactly what he needs to regain his confidence. Last season, Mourinho compared him to Lampard. That is a comparison that goes a long way to explain how much potential the young Dutchman has. He should be in the first team next season, and Chelsea will be lucky to have him. All the more reason to not sign a new CDM this offseason.

Kurt Zouma has all but justified his position in the first team. He has also proved that he can challenge for a starting role. Although John Terry has signed a new deal, it would be natural to think he may have to play a few less games next season, in order to continue to prolong his career. This means Zouma will have to partner Gary Cahill in the center of defense. Mourinho would need to find another CB in order to have options to go along with these three. He should look no further than Tomas Kalas. The Czech international proved his talent last season against Liverpool in a huge game for the Blues. He continues to ply his trade at Middlesbrough this season, playing right back under Aitor Karanka. Kalas has performed brilliantly when tested and has done enough to be trusted to deputize at center back for the Blues when called upon.

With all of the talent that Chelsea have in their academy and in their loan army, it would be it would be a waste of money for them to enter the transfer market and overpay for backup players. They should focus their money on one or two big signings and not spend frivolously. In the age of Financial Fair Play, it is imperative to build their own talent. This is where the hard work of the academy and the front office come culminate. This is the year that Chelsea become a club that is known for making their own talent, not overpaying for someone else’s.

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