Chelsea under the BlueCo ownership have made it their mission to bring in new signings for good value to develop them further at Stamford Bridge.
This was behind the club’s interest in signing Alejandro Garnacho over the summer. His stock had significantly dropped in his final months at Manchester United.
This has proven to be a point of frustration amongst Chelsea fans recently, with them looking for a number of big-name additions who can immediately make an impact on the first team squad.
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However, the Blue supporters should look to some of their bargain transfers of the past as an example that this process can still deliver the goods.
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Nani names former Chelsea star Deco as up there with Cristiano Ronaldo
One of their most impressive signings in this category was Deco. The midfielder joined Chelsea for £8m in 2008 from Barcelona.
The Portugal international would play 58 games across two seasons at Stamford Bridge, before departing to Brazil to play for Fluminense.
Despite his short stay in England, he left an impact on former international teammate Nani. The winger stated in a TikTok for ESPN that he was in the top three players he has ever featured alongside, amongst world great Cristiano Ronaldo.
The fact he made that many appearances in his time at the club is a credit to his ability, given the fact that the Blues also had the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel in the first team squad.
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Deco is far less popular with Chelsea these days
Since retiring, Deco has become the sporting director at Barcelona, directly dealing with Chelsea over a number of potential deals.
However, these have not always benefitted the Blues. They believed they were getting their hands on the signing of Raphinha before he made the switch to Spain.
Deco made sure Barcelona hijacked the deal, and given how well that has turned out will not have made the Chelsea chiefs happy.
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