Football Discussion | Why are Chelsea changing their transfer strategy?

It is proving to be an interesting summer at Stamford Bridge 

They have clearly changed their transfer strategy

Author | Lewis W

Chelsea’s pursuit of Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson suggests a significant shift in recruitment policy under Xabi Alonso, with the ages of the experienced trio pointing towards a new emphasis on proven Premier League quality.

At 26, Crystal Palace and France defender Lacroix can reasonably be considered to be entering his prime, but a reported £52m fee would still make him notably older than many of Chelsea’s recent signings.

It is two years since Chelsea recruited a player older than Lacroix, with Tosin Adarabioyo only marginally older when he arrived at Stamford Bridge three months short of his 27th birthday.

The more striking examples are Welbeck and Henderson. Brighton striker Welbeck is 35 and keen on a move to west London, while Brentford and England midfielder Henderson is 36.

Welbeck’s potential arrival could also have significant consequences for 23-year-old Liam Delap, who may find himself slipping down the pecking order under Alonso.

That would represent a notable change in fortunes for Delap, who was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising young strikers when Chelsea signed him from Ipswich Town last year.

Chelsea’s willingness to pursue players with considerably more experience therefore raises an obvious question: is this a deliberate change in recruitment strategy, with Alonso placing greater value on experience and immediate impact rather than potential?

Watch | Discussion on ESPN FC

After several seasons in which Chelsea have placed enormous faith in youth, the new approach may reflect a recognition that an expensively assembled squad still requires the maturity and know-how to compete consistently at the highest level.