Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has both praised and criticised Chelsea’s transfer business this summer.
Carragher has questioned Chelsea’s decision to sign Jordan Henderson, who recently joined the club on a free transfer.
The Blues wanted to bring in more experience and Henderson will add that, but Carragher is still not convinced.
However, the ex-England international is sold on one of Chelsea’s other signings.
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Maxence Lacroix is a ‘really good’ signing for Chelsea
Before Henderson’s arrival, Chelsea announced the purchase of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, and Carragher feels that was a good move.
Speaking about Chelsea’s transfer business on Football Ramble, he said: “It’s a great move for Jordan Henderson. But I don’t understand it from Chelsea’s point of view.
“I hear people say they need experience but for me they weren’t lacking 35-year-olds, they were lacking players who were 27 and 28. The lad from Crystal Palace, for example, seems like a really good signing.”
Even rival fans would have to agree with Carragher here. Lacroix was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League last season so should be a great addition to this Chelsea squad.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Maxence Lacroix
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
At 26, Lacroix brings experience, as Carragher mentioned. But he will also bring pace and aerial dominance to Chelsea’s backline.
The Frenchman is very quick for a central defender, while he is also strong in the air. During the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Lacroix won 3.4 aerial duels per game, according to WhoScored. Only nine players throughout the whole division could record a higher average than him.
Lacroix also made the joint-most number of clearances per game alongside Virgil van Dijk, 7.2. He was one of the best centre-halves on the market and now one of the best signings made this summer.
Why Jamie Carragher is wrong about Maxence Lacroix’s teammate Jordan Henderson
Regardless of what Carragher thinks, many will also feel that Henderson is a smart addition to Chelsea’s dressing room.
He cost Chelsea nothing and is going to bring experience and leadership to their ranks. The England international is also still capable of playing in the Premier League after making 32 appearances for Brentford last season.
Split image - Chelsea unveil new signing Jordan Henderson and Granit Xhaka of Sunderland applauds
Split image - Chelsea unveil new signing Jordan Henderson and Granit Xhaka of Sunderland applauds
Is Henderson going to transform Chelsea into title challengers? No. But how many points did the team drop from leading positions last term, and how many red cards did they pick up? The answer is a lot.
Henderson is someone who can be brought on in the second half to bring more control back to the team when things start to swing as well as more discipline.