Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have proved there's method to the madness at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca establishes Chelsea as one of the most exciting young teams in the world
Enzo Maresca chats with Estevao Willian
Enzo Maresca chats with Estevao Willian during Chelsea's defeat to Sunderland
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Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital joined forces to buy Chelsea Football Club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, the Blues have recruited some of the most thrilling young talents on the planet.
The American consortium initially faced intense criticism, splashing out hundreds of millions on undiscovered gems from around the globe. However, as players like Estevao Willian, whom they secured well ahead of his actual arrival, are gradually introduced into the first team, they've shown there's logic behind the apparent chaos.
In June 2024, Chelsea finalised a deal for the teenage prodigy, valued at an initial £29million (€34million). At that moment, many slated Boehly and Clearlake, challenging the project, but it has subsequently proved to be a clever piece of business, both on and off the field.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum with Bloomberg earlier this year, before the Blues won the Conference League and Club World Cup, the American billionaire outlined why he's so enthusiastic about what lies ahead at Stamford Bridge.
Boehly said: "We think we have one of the best young teams. We were early on doing seven, eight, nine-year contracts because we really wanted to make sure that we could keep the team together for a long time.
"In order to have a really good team you need stability within the team, environment. The only way that comes is through time. We set it up to be able to benefit from that."
Estevao Willian of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2025 in London, England
Estevao Willian has proven to be a shrewd investment – on and off the pitch
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Estevao Willian – £104m (€118.1m)
Estevao is ranked as the second-most-valuable teenager in the world, trailing only Lamine Yamal (£307.7m/€349.6m). The 18-year-old winger has had a cracking start at Chelsea, netting four goals and providing an assist in less than 700 minutes on the pitch.
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Jorrel Hato – £59m (€67.1m)
The CIES Football Observatory has valued Hato, who Chelsea snapped up from Ajax in the summer for a mere £37m, as the third-most-valuable teenage defender. Pau Cubarsí (£99.2m/€112.7m) of Barcelona tops the list, with Myles Lewis-Skelly (£74.7m/€84.8m) of Arsenal claiming second place – again.
Marc Guiu – £38.6m (€43.8m)
Chelsea signed Guiu from Barcelona for just £5m in July 2024. The 19-year-old striker had a promising debut season, but just as he was poised for a run in the starting lineup, he suffered an injury.
Marc Guiu celebrates
Marc Guiu celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Ajax
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Keen to give Guiu more chances, Chelsea loaned him out to Sunderland over the summer. But, he was quickly recalled when Nicolas Jackson forced a move to Bayern Munich.
Tyrique George – £25.3m (€28.7m)
George has consistently made his mark in Enzo Maresca's team, rarely failing to impress in big moments. The Cobham product has netted some crucial goals for Chelsea over the past year, earning a reputation as one of the world's best teenage ball-strikers.
Josh Acheampong – £23.3m (€26.5m)
It's not often you see a teenage centre-back given chances at the top level in their chosen position, with many being pushed out wide or into midfield. However, Acheampong has defied the norm and shown he has what it takes to become a vital player for Chelsea.
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