Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have given their final verdicts on Chelsea’s summer transfer window by grading every completed addition to the first team squad.
The Blues went big again in the market this summer, this time with the intention of backing new manager Xabi Alonso with signings which he wanted for his squad.
This included a drastic pivot from the club to bring in more experienced players who are ready-made to instantly feature for the first team squad.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Chelsea did miss out on a midfield signing to replace Enzo Fernandez after the Lamine Camara deal collapsed at the last moment.
Let’s take a look at how we rate every signing made by the club in order of how much they cost us…
Morgan Rogers – £117m: B+
It has taken Morgan Rogers no time at all to slot in and help create one of the most devastating attacking forces seen at Stamford Bridge in recent memory.
With a Premier League goal and assist already under his belt, there is plenty of optimism over what his future here will look like. The only reason this is not an A grade is because of the club having to spend their record fee to get him.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Maxence Lacroix – £52m: A
Maxence Lacroix looks set to be Chelsea’s signing of the summer, bringing both leadership and Premier League experience to a side desperately lacking in both.
The Frenchman is already a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, and looks set to be a stalwart at the back for a number of years.
Marco Palestra – £47m: B-
Currently injured, Marco Palestra has not yet been given the chance to carry his impressive pre-season form into the competitive campaign.
The Italian looks a very promising addition, and was pushed for by Alonso, although is largely untested in senior football to warrant his price tag.
Geovany Quenda – £44m: B+
Being able to feature as both a wing-back and as part of the front three makes Geovany Quenda a very interesting option for Chelsea this season.
The Portuguese star goes straight into the category of ‘very promising youngster’ alongside Estevao Willian.
Chelsea's possession vs Brighton
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Valentin Barco – £34m: C
Chelsea seemed to get the signing of Valentin Barco over the line in order to stop any of their European rivals signing him from Strasbourg themselves.
Questions over his physicality remain from the last time he was in this league with Brighton, but with Chelsea neglecting signing a Fernandez replacement, he is going to be called upon more than expected this season.
Emmanuel Emegha – £21m: D
Injury problems which cropped up regularly after this deal was agreed made it very difficult for Emmanuel Emegha to build any momentum coming into Stamford Bridge.
The Dutchman doesn’t look set to play any meaningful minutes for the club this season behind the other options to play up front at the club.
Pep Chavarria – £16m: B-
On paper, the signing of Pep Chavarria looks to be a very promising one for the Blues at a relatively modest price tag.
Alonso has already called on his countryman to help see out Chelsea’s first two wins of the season, and will play plenty of minutes in West London this season.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Emiliano Martinez – £7.5m: A
Rivalling Lacroix for the signing of the summer, Emi Martinez has instantly walked in to the number one spot at Chelsea as Robert Sanchez made a move to Como.
Experience of winning at the top level was not rife through the squad before this summer, however the goalkeeper has brought a ton of that with him for a very small transfer fee.
Danny Welbeck – £5m: B+
Really promising pivot from Chelsea to bring in players who will be as important in the dressing room as they will be on the pitch for them.
Danny Welbeck toes that line brilliantly, and will be a superb back up to Joao Pedro whilst having more experience under his belt than most of the squad combined.
Jordan Henderson – Free: B-
Thomas Tuchel taking Jordan Henderson to the World Cup is a sign of how important he is to a dressing room who are looking to win things.
There are doubts over how much he can still do on the pitch, but Alonso will welcome a figure like Henderson in his squad who has seen it all in this country.