The American billionaire bought the club from Roman Abramovich for around £4.25 billion. Despite this hefty price, Boehly has continued to invest heavily in improving the squad.
Almost three years into his ownership, Boehly has spent about £1.2 billion on new signings, focusing on both immediate success and long-term development.
Managing Financial Regulations
Despite Chelsea’s substantial spending, the club has managed to stay within the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations—a remarkable achievement given the volume of transfers.
With so many signings, it was inevitable that some players would exceed expectations, while others would fall short.
Success Stories Under Boehly
One notable performer has been Nicolas Jackson, who received criticism last season despite scoring 14 Premier League goals. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Jackson has significantly improved, scoring eight goals in his first 13 matches of the current season, making him one of the league’s top scorers alongside Cole Palmer.
Moises Caicedo, who was signed for a record £115 million from Brighton, has also begun to prove his worth. The 23-year-old has made 63 appearances and delivered key contributions, including a stunning long-range goal against Bournemouth.
Transfers That Fell Short
However, not all transfers have been successful. Central defender Benoit Badiashile, acquired for £35 million from Monaco in January 2023, has struggled to settle. The 23-year-old has only played 44 games for Chelsea and has spent much of this season in the Europa Conference League, making just 157 minutes in the Premier League.
Despite initial optimism, including Boehly praising him as an “excellent young player,” Badiashile’s impact has been minimal. With a reported £90,000-a-week salary, his limited playing time has raised doubts about his future at the club.
A Potential Exit?
Badiashile’s lack of league appearances under Maresca suggests a move elsewhere may be necessary to restart his career. At 23, he still has time to reach his potential, but Chelsea may have to accept a financial loss if they decide to sell him.
While Boehly was initially “delighted” to sign him, pundits like Gabby Agbonlahor have labeled Badiashile’s time at Chelsea as “dreadful.” A transfer could benefit both the player and the club, allowing him to revive his career while freeing up resources for Chelsea to make further investments.
