‘Wouldn’t surprise me’: Journalist now thinks Chelsea could break transfer policy to sign ‘special’ player

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Chelsea could go against their transfer policy to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January.

That is what journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested.

The Blues have only recruited young players in the last two transfer windows, but Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that he would not be shocked if they made an exception for 27-year-old Ivan Toney in 2024.

“They’re always forward planning, they’re always balancing for the future with for the now and if you can find someone like [Manchester] United did with Rasmus Hojlund, who’s both for the future and for the now, then that’s the bonus,” the journalist said.

“But it wouldn’t surprise me in January, particularly with goalscorers, if Chelsea go a little bit against their strategy in the last two windows, and they try and bring in somebody that’s a bit more proven in terms of age, in terms of goals and in terms of Premier League experience, which is another thing that [Mauricio] Pochettino puts a high value on, and obviously, Toney does tick all three of those boxes.”

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea refused to sign anybody over the age of 25 during the summer.

Ivan Toney should be an exception

If Chelsea really are intent on only buying players of a certain age, then they have to make an exception for Toney.

Pochettino needs a new centre-forward and the England international looks perfect for his side.

Toney is Premier League-proven and really excelled in the top flight last season, scoring 20 goals in 33 appearances.

Chelsea clearly want a younger team and want to bring the average age of their squad down, which is not far-fetched. They are trying to build a side that can compete for honours in the future.

However, the No.9 role is one that comes with so much responsibility and pressure. Ideally, you want someone who is experienced and ready there, so Toney is naturally a good fit.

The Brentford man, who has been described as a “special player” in the past by former manager Steve Evans, could make a real impact at Stamford Bridge right now. Todd Boehly and Co are thinking about the future, but the present is not something they can continue to overlook as Chelsea drift further and further away from the top.