Chelsea have had a busy start to the summer - making the most of the early transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.
Liam Delap was signed from Ipswich Town after the Blues triggered his release clause, while defender Mamadou Sarr was also brought in from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. With the deadline looming, a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens may need to be put on hold - if a fee can't be agreed - while hopes of signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan faded as Chelsea walked away from negotiations due to the cost of a deal.
That said, Enzo Maresca's squad remain in a strong position ahead of their tournament in the United States, where they will begin their group stage matches on June 16. Other European clubs in the competition include Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
A key appeal for clubs taking part is the huge prize fund on offer, which could see the winners bank a staggering £97million, according to reports. The BBC claim that the prize pot will be shared among all 32 participating teams, totalling £775million.
All clubs will receive a share of an initial £407million, with the remaining £368million then awarded based on performance. A team that wins all its group games and goes on to win the tournament could earn £97million, making it an extremely lucrative opportunity for those involved.
Teams from all six international football confederations will take part in the expanded and revamped competition, which has grown significantly from the former seven-side annual format. With only two clubs per country allowed to qualify, Chelsea secured their spot owing to their 2021 Champions League triumph, joining Premier League rivals Manchester City, who lifted that trophy for the first time in 2023.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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