Since the takeover by Todd Boehly and BlueCo three years ago, no club on the planet has done more business than Chelsea,
Plenty of big names coming in, and just as many shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea transfer vision has changed under BlueCo, now focused on young players with high potential for growth in value. Some are treated as assets, and the very best are given a real chance in Enzo Maresca’s side.
But in changing strategy, Chelsea have let many quality players go.
Enough to put together a best XI that could give any Premier League side a run for its money.
Best Chelsea departed XI since Todd Boehly took over
SOCCER: JUL 26 Premier League Summer Series Everton vs AFC Bournemouth
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Djordje Petrovic
Sold to Bournemouth this past summer for £25 million, Petrovic has started every game for Andoni Iraola this season. Replacing another ex-Chelsea man, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Serbian has kept four clean sheets as the Cherries sit just two points behind Chelsea.
So far, so good. A great move for both sides.
Ethan Ampadu playing for Leeds
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Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu is a name that might surprise you to see here. Leeds secured his signature for just £7m two seasons ago, and the Welshman came in and helped them gain promotion back to the top flight.
His performances have held up this season. He plays mainly as a centre-back for Daniel Farke but is capable of filling in in the midfield and at right-back. Ampadu never got his chance at Stamford Bridge, but he has flourished since leaving and would surely be welcomed back by Maresca now.
Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg
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Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger’s exit was a sign of the times in 2022. Boehly and co had just taken over, and the squad makeup was being reshaped. He went to Real Madrid on a free.
The German went on to win the Champions League again with the Spanish giants, and was one of the best centre-backs in the world at his peak. He still plays a significant role for Los Blancos, making 26 league starts last season, but has been sidelined with injury this campaign.
Kalidou Koulibaly playing for Al-Hilal
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Kalidou Koulibaly
Koulibaly was another big-name centre-half who was offloaded by the Blues. He never found form in England, spending just one season at Stamford Bridge.
He was sold to Al Hilal for £18 million, where he won the league title in his first season. Koulibaly is still starting for the Saudi side, and a second chance at Chelsea would be interesting to see.
Lewis Hall playing for Newcastle
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Lewis Hall
If not for the emergence of Marc Cucurella as an elite left-back, Hall’s sale would have possibly been the most regretful. Now a fixture in Eddie Howe’s side, he was sold in 2024 for £28 million after spending the previous season on loan on Tyneside.
Hall is a top, top player, who looks destined to be at the top for years to come for club and country. Thankfully, the Spaniard doesn’t leave Chelsea wanting.
Ngolo Kante playing for Al-Ittihad
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N’golo Kante
Maybe it’s nostalgia, but N’golo Kante sits at the base of midfield in this XI. The Frenchman is pushing 35, but he was a key player in Al-Ittihad’s title win last season.
Kante left for free two seasons ago, and would be a huge miss if not for Moises Caicedo’s emergence as a world-class replacement.
Mateo Kovacic playing for Man City
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Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic left for Man City in the same window for £25 million. The move was a surprise, but it worked out in City’s favour.
The Croatian has been absolute quality in Pep Guardiola’s midfield, proving an able deputy for Ballon d’Or-winning Rodri.
Conor Gallagher playing for Atletico Madrid
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Conor Gallagher
Gallagher was sold to Atletico Madrid for book-balancing reasons. As an academy product, his £34 million sale represented full profit, so he was sent on his way.
Chelsea have done well recruiting in the midfield. Extremely well. They won’t be feeling too hard done by regardless of how well these players have done elsewhere.
Noni Madueke in action during Arsenal v Villarreal - Pre-Season Friendly
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Noni Madueke
Another recent sale is Madueke, who has gone to Arsenal and hit the ground running before suffering a nasty injury. Chelsea got £52 million for the winger, a figure no one was hesitant about taking in the summer.
Madueke has claimed the culture in Arsenal is better, so maybe it’s a case of both parties can go away from the deal happy. Though Chelsea fans might not be after hearing that.
Christian Pulisic playing for AC Milan
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Christian Pulisic
Simply put, Pulisic has been outstanding since making the switch to Serie A.
He has exceeded all expectations put on him after his time at Chelsea. Pulisic is playing the best football of his career, becoming one of AC Milan’s most important players and a true goalscorer. £19 million now looks a steal.
Kai Havertz playing for Arsenal
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Kai Havertz
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Havertz in action, but there’s no doubt his game has gone up a level since being sold by Chelsea.
Another Blue snapped up by Arsenal, the German’s £65 million price tag felt like another brilliant fee, and it was. But it has to be said, Havertz now looks a competent Premier League striker — something he couldn’t quite get right at Chelsea.