Chelsea’s £37m Signing Quickly Overshadows Gittens as a Major Financial Blunder
Chelsea Football Club’s current season has been characterized by inconsistency, marked by impressive victories interspersed with disappointing defeats. As the league approaches its midpoint, Enzo Maresca’s squad has showcased both remarkable potential and glaring weaknesses.
Chelsea’s Mixed Season Performance
The team has enjoyed notable wins against major opponents such as Barcelona and Liverpool. They also managed to secure a draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal, even while playing with ten men. However, these highlights are overshadowed by losses to teams like Leeds United, Sunderland, and Manchester United, dampening their title aspirations.
Jamie Gittens: Underwhelming Impact
One of Chelsea’s signings, Jamie Gittens, has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the club. After transferring from Borussia Dortmund, Gittens arrived with high expectations due to his previous success, which included 17 goal involvements over 49 games. His performances, however, have not met the anticipated standards.
- Appearances: 19
- Total Minutes: 855
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 5
- Goal Involvements: 6
His contributions equate to a goal involvement roughly every 3.16 matches, or every 142.5 minutes. Notably, most of his efforts have come against lower-tier opposition or in the League Cup, raising questions about his overall value to the team.
Jorrel Hato: A Potentially Bigger Blunder
Concerns regarding Chelsea’s summer signings extend beyond Gittens. Another player facing scrutiny is Jorrel Hato, a Dutch defender who transferred from Ajax for approximately £40 million. Although recognized as a promising talent with a commendable record at Ajax, his adaptation to Chelsea has been disappointing.
- Appearances at Ajax: 111
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 9
At just 19 years old, Hato had already established himself as a key player for Ajax. Yet, since joining Chelsea, he has made only eight appearances, with his last game contributing to a lackluster performance. This situation raises doubts about his future contributions, particularly when the defense has been underperforming.
Conclusion: Chelsea’s Financial Blunders?
The struggles of both Gittens and Hato leave Chelsea fans wondering whether these high-profile signings represent financial missteps. While the team still has time to recover this season, the underwhelming performances of their recent acquisitions are a cause for concern.
