The Roman Abramovich era is over at Chelsea after almost 20 years of lavish spending.
There have been successful signings and flops in equal measure as the Blues spent big in an effort to compete at the top of the Premier League. But there have also been several bargains – or at least more affordable buys – during Abramovich’s time at the club.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best of them.
Edouard Mendy – £21.6m
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s high-profile blunders meant Chelsea were in clear need of a sturdy goalkeeper.
And they found one in Mendy, signed for a relatively modest fee from Rennes in 2020.
Sorting out a problem position so inexpensively – at least by Chelsea’s standards – was a major boost for the Blues in the 2020-21 season, which ended with a Champions League title.
Cesar Azpilicueta – £7.9m
The fans call him Dave, and that’s really all you need to know. An overwhelming success.
Chelsea’s first goal under Thomas Tuchel is scored by Cesar Azpilicueta 🔵
Look at the amount of ground the right-back covers to support the counter-attack and get his name on the score-sheet! pic.twitter.com/xy3hLWQxwD
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 31, 2021
Thibaut Courtois – £8.06m
Signed from Genk in 2011 as a gangly, almost awkward teenager, Courtois ultimately proved an inspired bit of business,
He spent a few years on loan at Atletico Madrid before returning to Stamford Bridge and replacing Petr Cech, going on to win two Premier League titles in four years as the Blues’ No.1.
Then it was on to Real Madrid in 2018 in a deal worth £35million. A healthy profit for Chelsea, to say the least.
Gary Cahill – £7.6m
An unassuming but efficient defender, Cahill played a big part in Chelsea’s Premier League titles in both 2014-15 and 2016-17 – not to mention the Champions League only a few months after his modest move from Bolton.
He formed a solid partnership with John Terry, though he was gradually phased out of the…
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