Chelsea’s Most Expensive XI Featuring Six Of Conte’s Acquisition And Two From Mourinho’s Era
It wouldn’t be completely wrong to say that it was Chelsea who changed the complete landscape of the transfer market since the turn of the millennium. Following the takeover by Roman Abramovich, the Blues kicked off the heavy spending era in the English football, that has carried on till date. Over the years, the West London outfit have invested significant amounts of money and have enjoyed the rewards most often than not.
Here we take a look at the most expensive Chelsea line-up, featuring the costliest players in their respective positions.
Asmir Begovic (GK) – £8million
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international joined Chelsea in the summer of 2015 from Stoke City, as a backup to Thibaut Courtois, following Petr Cech’s exit. However, things didn’t go well for him at Stamford Bridge and after warming the benches for two seasons, Begovic joined Bournemouth earlier this summer.
Jose Bosingwa (RB) – £16.2million
The Portuguese right-back joined the Blues from Porto back in 2008 and had a fairly decent four-year stint in West London. Bosingwa won two FA Cups with the club, and was also a part of the UEFA Champions League winning squad in 2011-12. Departed to QPR in 2012 after making 125 appearances for the Blues.
David Luiz (CB) – £34million
The Brazilian makes it to the XI because of the fee Chelsea paid to sign him from PSG last summer, for his second stint. Having brought him to the club in 2011, the Blues sold him to the French club three years later, only to sign him back on deadline day last summer, following Antonio Conte’s appointment. After an indifferent first spell, he had an excellent season last time out, playing an important role in the club’s title triumph.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) – £34million
One of Chelsea’s latest recruits, Rudiger joined the club from AS Roma earlier this month. The German international is a well-established centre-back and has the potential to be a good signing for the club.
Marcos Alonso (LB) – £24million
Another Antonio Conte transfer, the Spaniard arrived last summer from Italian side Fiorentina and despite several doubts, he became an integral part of the title winning squad, scoring 6 goals in 31 league games. Let’s see if he can sustain that level of performance next season too.
Willian (RM) – £32million
The transfer of Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 was an eventful one to say the least. Jose Mourinho, in his second stint at the Bridge, made a late swoop for the Brazilian and signed him from under the noses of Tottenham Hotspur – after the player had completed a medical with their derby rivals.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – £32million
The Frenchman was the linchpin of Leicester City’s title triumph two years ago and the Blues immediately snapped him up. Kante proved to be a great signing as he played a pivotal role for Conte’s side, winning two titles in two years in England. He was also named the Player of the Year for his performances last season. Worth every single penny!
Tiemoue Bakayoko (CM) – £40million
Chelsea’s latest recruit, Tiemoue Bakayoko signed for the club only last weekend from French champions AS Monaco. The midfielder had an excellent campaign last season, but the Chelsea faithful will have to wait for a while to see him in action, as he recovers from a recent knee surgery.
Eden Hazard (LW) – £32million
One of the most sought-after youngsters in 2012, Hazard was chased by all the top English clubs, but he ended up choosing Chelsea from Lille, following their Champions League triumph. And the rest as they say, is history. 249 games, 72 goals, 2 Premier League titles and a Europa League trophy, along with numerous personal honours, Hazard has established himself as one of the best in the world.
Fernando Torres (ST) – £50million
Chelsea’s club record transfer, El Nino arrived at the Bridge from Liverpool in January 2011, but turned out to be one of the biggest flops at the club. Once a prolific Premier League striker, a knee injury took a toll on Torres as he was never the same old fearsome attacker again. He scored 45 times for Chelsea in 172 games – with that semi-final goal against Barcelona in 2012 being his standout moment.
Michy Batshuayi (ST) – £33million
Signed last summer from Marseille, Batshuayi never really got a chance to make an impact, with Conte sticking to Diego Costa in the attack. He has great potential though and if given a regular run in the team, can make a big impact.