It’s a topic that the mainstream media likes to overlook, but Chelsea have actually got rid of so many players during a very busy summer transfer window.
Yes, the Blues were busy yet again signing new faces for their squad. However, there’s been so many departures, both on loan and permanently, to help balance things.
It was reported by journalist Rahman Osman via X that Chelsea youngster Alex Matos agreed a move to La Liga, but the deal to join Getafe wasn’t registered in time and collapsed.
Ranking Chelsea’s sales
On top of all the loan departures, Chelsea’s transfer chiefs did well to sell a number of individuals in the summer. In particular, there’s clearly been a focus to shift on academy graduates to help balance the books.
Here is how we’ve rated every outgoing sale at Chelsea in the 2024/25 summer window…
Ian Maatsen – 6
Chelsea sold Ian Maatsen to Premier League rivals Aston Villa in a deal worth £37.5m (Sky Sports), which certainly has both its positives and negatives from a Blues perspective.
The 22-year-old left-back is a quality player, something he proved out on loan with Borussia Dortmund. Therefore, selling him to a league rival feels frustrating because he’s more than enough to impact the current squad at Stamford Bridge.
On the flip side, the club has received a very healthy transfer fee from the deal. Also, you’ll see below that the club have been selling academy graduates to help themselves financially, so Maatsen’s one of several caught in that particular crossfire.
Conor Gallagher – 4
The sale of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid this summer certainly divides opinion.
Yes, Chelsea made pure profit on selling the box-to-box midfielder for £33m (BBC). It’s a relief that he was shipped overseas rather than to a direct rival, too.
However, we’ve got to rate this transfer sale low for a couple of main reasons.
First, the Blues have significantly downgraded by replacing Gallagher in the squad with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. On top of that, the academy graduate was the club’s second best player behind Cole Palmer last season, so selling him is quite baffling if you park the financial explanation.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
At first, Napoli’s £30m signing (BBC) of Romelu Lukaku feels a bit low for Chelsea when you consider how much he originally cost the Blues. However, it’s such a relief for everyone that the 31-year-old striker is finally off the club’s books after years of turmoil.
Unlike many other deals, this is the Blues hierarchy clearing up the mess of the previous ownership.
Lewis Hall – 5.5
Lewis Hall spent last season on loan with Newcastle United, but his permanent move in a £28m deal (BBC) to St James’ Park only officially went through this summer.
It feels like a pretty large transfer fee for a versatile 19-year-old player still developing his game. This is one that the Blues may revisit and think they got wrong at a later date.
Omari Hutchinson – 4.5
This could be one transfer sale that Chelsea look back at with some major regret further down the line.
Premier League new boys Ipswich Town signed Omari Hutchinson in a £20m deal (BBC), which based on the early weeks of the season looks like a great investment for the East Anglian side.
The 20-year-old right-winger was tremendous in the Championship last during a loan with Ipswich. He’s now proving he’s ready for the top division, and his potential does look quite frightening.
It feels like the club may have cashed in on this youngster too early.
Michael Golding – 6
The Blues managed to convince Leicester City to pay £4m (BBC) to sign Michael Golding this summer, which isn’t a bad price for a youngster with so little experience.
The 18-year-old midfielder has developing in Chelsea’s youth teams in recent years, even making one first-team appearance for the senior squad. He was hardly an individual earmarked for greatness, though.
Diego Moreira – 5.5
Chelsea sold Diego Moreira to sister club Strasbourg for a very cheap price of £1.7m, but there’s been a mention of a buy-back clause.
The 20-year-old attacker certainly has shown he’s got potential. It’ll be interesting to watch his development this year.
Hakim Ziyech – 6
We don’t blame Chelsea fans if they forgot Hakim Ziyech was still their player this summer.
There’s not much to say other about his move to Galatasaray on a free transfer other than it’s good he’s off the wage bill. He certainly didn’t live up to the hype during his time in west London…
| Chelsea appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 107 | 14 | 13 |
Malang Sarr – 6
Like Ziyech, Chelsea centre-back Malang Sarr also left the club on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old French defender has returned to his homeland to join Ligue 1 side Lens, where hopefully he can play regular football again.
Tino Anjorin – 6.5
Tino Anjorin completed a move to Italian Serie A club Empoli on a free transfer late in the summer window.
Interestingly, Football.London reported that Enzo Maresca personally played a role in Anjorin’s sale.
The 22-year-old, who’s been on Chelsea’s books since a youngster, needs to find a permanent home to go and fulfil his potential. It feels like a smart deal this for all parties.
Angelo Gabriel – 6.5
Finally, Chelsea announced this week that they’ve sold Angelo Gabriel to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in a £19.1m deal (BBC).
The 19-year-old winger didn’t feature in Maresca’s plans this campaign, so he’s got a last-minute transfer exit to Saudi Arabia.
It gets a positive rating this deal because the Blues have made a profit, plus Angelo’s path into the first-team squad was pretty blocked.
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