Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has frequently come in for criticism despite the mass spending the man in charge has overseen.
The Blues have spent more than £1billion on new players since Roman Abramovich’s departure from the club, including smashing the Premier League record twice for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
One of the biggest criticisms fired Boehly’s way is that the club have not addressed the lack of experience in the squad. Tosin Adarabioyo is by far the eldest player at the age of 28.
The likes of Mike Maignan have emerged as potential targets to the club, however the last summer transfer window saw them instead bring in the likes of Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, all aged 21 or below.
Todd Boehly looks on ahead of Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea had an over 30’s rule which saw Frank Lampard leave the club
Even now, Chelsea are being linked with Endrick, another youngster with plenty of potential but not one who is set to bring experience to their ranks.
Would Endrick be a good signing for Chelsea?
In fact, the Blues have near enough refused to sign a player over the age of 25, and while having a set rule has been criticised, it is not something new at Stamford Bridge.
When Abramovich was in charge, Chelsea had a rule in place where they refused to give out more than a one-year contract to players who were above the age of 30.
As the 2010s commenced, key players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba entered this moment, and the former left the Blues in 2014 despite performing at a high level still.
He went on to join Manchester City for a season before finishing his playing career in the MLS, but the club’s insistence of sticking to their rules saw them part ways with one of the best players they have ever had.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard celebrates scoring against Portsmouth in the Premier League.
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Lampard departure came back to bite Chelsea
In what was a bizarre circumstance for Chelsea fans, Lampard was subbed on the next season in a game between them and Manchester City, however playing for the rival side.
To make things worse, the Englishman struck the goal that brought the game level, seeing the Blues drop two points when it really mattered.
Hindsight and nostalgia will always allow some people to look back on the past regime in a far more positive light, however should remember that rules were very much in place then too.
It remains to be seen if Boehly will soften on his current stance at the club, with many believing this would benefit Enzo Maresca despite the good work he is already doing.