One issue with BlueCo is that they think by simply offering long-term contracts out, they can then charge what they want when a Chelsea player becomes of interest to another club.
The sale of Marc Cucurella was one that made sense. Chelsea have received an initial fee just under £50m, and it saw them make a £17.5m book profit on the defender. It was sensible business by Chelsea.
With Marco Palestra officially in the building, does he instantly start over Reece James or Malo Gusto?👀
It has allowed Chelsea to sign Marco Palestra while making a profit in the eyes of Financial Fair Play. A £17.5m fee would be enough to land left-back target Pep Chavarria from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
But when it comes to BlueCo, sensible business is few and far between. Chelsea have slapped a huge £75m asking price on the shoulders of Malo Gusto, and inevitably, it is becoming an issue in London.
BlueCo have to reduce Malo Gusto price tag before it is too late
Chelsea bought Gusto for a third of the asking price on his head. It is a ridiculous fee for a player who has shown glimpses of quality, but nothing like the form expected of a player that moves for £75m.
BlueCo hands out long-term contracts so they are not forced into a bargain sale, among other reasons. But actually, that’s not the be-all and end-all; players’ values reduce for more reasons than just a contract.
Gusto is now attempting to force an exit with Man City, and Enzo Maresca keen. Indeed, according to Simon Phillips, Gusto is ‘causing issues’ at Chelsea with City rightfully unwilling to meet his asking price.
“Gusto. Still here at the minute because Chelsea have put £75m on his head. Those who aren’t listening to the show would have seen a head-in-hands moment from me there because of Gusto at £75m,” he said.
“Gusto wants to go. Gusto was an Enzo Maresca guy. He’s caused issues. He will continue to cause issues. Just let the guy go. Don’t overprice him. Don’t price him out of a move. Ask for something reasonable.
“And sell him. Make a profit on him. But yeah, £75m is just going to get door slammed in your face. So, another waste of time,” Phillips said. Perhaps Chelsea are requesting so much to get revenge on Maresca.
It is the last thing Xabi Alonso needs this summer
BlueCo are right to protect their assets, and they are right to set price tags. But what they are not realising is that requesting so much for Gusto not only causes an issue for the player, but for Xabi Alonso too.
What is a fair price for Malo Gusto? 💸
BlueCo are proving stubborn.
The last thing Alonso needs this summer is a player causing problems. Understandably, Gusto is unhappy and making a fuss; he wants a move, and all BlueCo has to do is reduce his price tag this summer.
If they set his price tag at £50m, for example, it suits all parties. Gusto gets his move, City sign a player they want for a reasonable price, BlueCo gets a solid profit, and Alonso removes a problem player.
But BlueCo are proving stubborn, possibly because it is Man City and the issues they have had with City regarding Maresca. But it is going to backfire on them this summer, especially with a replacement signed.
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