Since Roman Abramovich's takeover in 2003, Chelsea FC has been a powerhouse in football, splurging on top talent while also mastering the art of selling players for substantial profits. This savvy approach to player trading has continued under the new American ownership of Todd Boehly. Over the past two decades, Chelsea have made some colossal sales, showcasing their ability to develop talent and capitalize on their value.
According to a report by Football Transfers, here's a rundown of the club's ten biggest sales of all time:
10. Tammy Abraham - €41m (to Roma, 2021)
Tammy Abraham, who joined Chelsea's youth setup at just eight years old, was expected to lead the line for the Blues after impressing under Frank Lampard. However, a change in management to Thomas Tuchel saw Abraham fall out of favor. In 2021, he moved to Roma for €41m, proving his worth in Italy under José Mourinho's guidance.
9. Conor Gallagher - €42m (to Atlético Madrid, 2024)
After rising through the ranks and having a promising spell with Chelsea's first team, Conor Gallagher was sold to Atlético Madrid for €42m. Despite showing potential and being a rare bright spot in Chelsea's troubled 2023-24 season, Gallagher's departure was partly due to a misalignment with new manager Enzo Maresca's tactical plans.
8. Nemanja Matic - €44.7m (to Manchester United, 2017)
Nemanja Matic was a key figure in Chelsea's midfield, particularly under José Mourinho. When Mourinho moved to Manchester United, he sought to bring Matic along for €44.7m. The Serbian provided a solid, if unspectacular, presence at Old Trafford before returning to Italy with Roma in 2022.
7. Juan Mata - €44.7m (to Manchester United, 2014)
Juan Mata's move to Manchester United in January 2014 was a record-breaking transfer at the time. Mata, brought in to rejuvenate United's struggling attack, had a mixed spell at Old Trafford. While his impact was less pronounced than during his Chelsea days, he provided creative flair and leadership before eventually leaving United in 2019.
6. David Luiz - €49.5m (to PSG, 2014)
David Luiz's €49.5m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain made him the most expensive defender in football history at the time. Despite his occasional lapses in defensive solidity, Luiz's flair and attacking prowess justified the hefty fee. He returned to Chelsea for €35m two years later, helping them win the Premier League.
5. Oscar - €60m (to Shanghai Port, 2017)
Oscar's move to Shanghai Port for €60m was a testament to the Chinese Super League's financial clout. Falling out of favor under Antonio Conte, Oscar seized the opportunity to secure a lucrative contract in China, winning the CSL title and significantly boosting his earnings.
4. Diego Costa - €60m (to Atlético Madrid, 2017)
Diego Costa's fiery presence and goal-scoring ability were pivotal in Chelsea's Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017. However, his strained relationship with manager Antonio Conte led to his sale back to Atlético Madrid for €60m. Despite a somewhat rocky return to Spain, Costa's departure marked a profitable exit for Chelsea.
3. Mason Mount - €64.2m (to Manchester United, 2023)
Mason Mount's €64.2m transfer to Manchester United was a significant move, reflecting his value after 18 years at Stamford Bridge. Despite his crucial role in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League triumph, his final season saw diminishing returns, leading to his transfer to United, where he faced a challenging debut season.
2. Kai Havertz - €75m (to Arsenal, 2023)
Kai Havertz's move to Arsenal for €75m was a high-profile transfer that capitalized on his potential despite a mixed tenure at Chelsea. Havertz's time at Stamford Bridge saw some highs, including the decisive goal in the 2021 Champions League final, but he struggled with consistency. His sale to Arsenal allowed Chelsea to profit significantly.
1. Eden Hazard - €115m (to Real Madrid, 2019)
Eden Hazard's €115m transfer to Real Madrid remains Chelsea's most lucrative sale ever. Hazard was instrumental in Chelsea's success during his final years at the club, including their 2019 Europa League victory. Although his time at Real Madrid was marred by injuries, Chelsea's record-breaking fee remains a masterstroke of player trading.
Chelsea's ability to turn player sales into substantial profits reflects their shrewd management and talent development. As the club continues to evolve, these top sales highlight the balance between nurturing talent and capitalizing on their value.
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