The head loss on social media following Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland on Saturday saw fans direct their anger and frustration towards the club’s sporting directors for not investing in quality and experienced players who could immediately transform the team.
Many also pointed to Chelsea’s wage model, arguing that its performance-based structure has made it difficult to attract proven stars capable of delivering instant success. Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea has splashed out nearly £1.5 billion on new signings, yet despite this massive investment, the team still appears to lack the key ingredients needed to reach the next level.
The club still lacks the mentality, maturity, and match-winning quality needed to change games and break down stubborn teams, which became more evident during the Chelsea vs Sunderland game, which dropped them further down the Premier League table.
The enormous amount spent have yielded mixed results, as the club has so far won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. But the dynamics of the spending have largely focused on investing in young players who are expected to develop into world-class stars and form the core of Chelsea’s future success. A good idea, but at what cost?
According to an analysis of the first 28 signings made by Chelsea since the takeover by the Todd Boehly consortium, the average age at signing was approximately 21.5 years. This has been a major concern for many fans, who question the club’s approach in recent transfer windows.
Why sign inexperienced youngsters when the team urgently needs proven, battle-tested players who can deliver immediate results and drive the club back to the top of the Premier League table?
It’s been eight years since Chelsea last lifted the English Premier League title, and although the club has added other trophies during that time, the league crown remains the one that continues to elude them – and it’s the one their fans crave the most. They’ve watched Manchester City not only surpass their league title tally but also establish a level of consistency and dominance that Chelsea are still struggling to rediscover.
And for City, this is largely due to their consistent focus on signing proven, world-class players rather than adopting Chelsea’s wage model, one that rewards performance after several years.
The Abramovich Era: When Big Spending and High Wages Defined Chelsea’s Success.
Former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, is a name forever etched into Chelsea’s history. The Russian billionaire, known for his ruthlessness, brought that same attitude to the transfer market. He craved big names and superstar signings – players who would get him instant success, and he was always willing to pay whatever it took to get them, no matter the price.
On one occasion, Lionel Messi – widely regarded as the greatest player ever to grace the game – came remarkably close to joining Chelsea in 2014, a move sanctioned by Roman Abramovich. Multiple reports from reputable journalists and top sports outlets revealed that Chelsea were in advanced discussions to bring the Argentine superstar to Stamford Bridge in a sensational £250 million deal.
At the time, Messi was reportedly unsettled at Barcelona due to ongoing tax issues and mounting tensions with then-manager Luis Enrique. He was intrigued by the prospect of playing in the Premier League and shared a close friendship with Cesc Fàbregas, who was already part of the Chelsea squad.
His father and agent, Jorge Messi, was even said to have held talks with Chelsea representatives to explore the possibility of completing the move.
Abramovich spotted a rare opportunity to bring the Argentine superstar to London and moved quickly to make it happen. However, the deal ultimately fell through after Barcelona reached a new agreement with Messi, convincing him to remain at the Camp Nou with the Blaugrana after assuring him of their project and bringing in players like Luis Suarez to form the legendary MSN trio with Neymar.
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Chelsea’s New Incentive Model: Merit-Based Pay Over Mega Wages
The Play Well, Earn More Approach to Contracts
Chelsea’s wage model which began under the Clearlake ownership has its pros and cons, and while it promotes accountability and rewards performance, it also poses challenges in attracting established stars who demand guaranteed high wages.
Pros of Chelsea’s Incentive-Based Wage Model
Motivates Players to Perform
Players, knowing their next pay rise is tied to how they perform on the pitch, would want to play to the best of their abilities. It encourages extra effort, focus, and professionalism.
Protects the Club Financially
The Blues manage to avoid long-term high-salary burdens on underperforming or injury-prone players, keeping their wage bills more sustainable.
For example, Raheem Sterling, one of the early signings of the Clearlake era, earns over £300k per week and has proven difficult to move on. Few clubs are willing to take on such a high wage given his inconsistent form and recent injury record, making his contract a significant financial commitment for Chelsea.
Encourages Competition Within the Squad
Healthy internal competition will drive higher standards within the squad, which will then reflect in their performance on matchday.
Every player in the team knows their place (and pay) depends on merit. And underperforming players would know that their minutes on the pitch, starting opportunities, and potential bonuses are at risk, which would motivate them to improve.
Attracts Hungry, Ambitious Players
Young, driven footballers who want to prove themselves are more likely to thrive in such a system. Players who have it at the back of their minds that their hard work and performance would earn them high praise and recognition, and in future, a pay rise.
Aligns Player and Club Goals
When rewards are tied to success with every win, goal, clean sheet and trophy – both the player and club benefit from shared objectives.
Cons of Chelsea’s Incentive-Based Wage Model
Harder to Attract Proven Stars
Established world-class players often prefer guaranteed high wages and may avoid clubs with heavy performance clauses. Convincing a seasoned player who has consistently performed on Europe’s biggest stages to take a pay cut while maintaining the high level of form they’ve shown over the years in exchange for potential performance-based rewards is a tough ask – most players would simply not accept such an offer.
Creates Wage Frustration
Any player in the team who is performing well would feel underpaid when they see another player who has not had the same impact on the team earning more than they do. And with this, there could be unrest, which could see the energy, morale and loyalty dip.
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The Cost of Inexperience in Chelsea’s Backline
When matches like the Chelsea vs Sunderland game don’t go as planned for the Blues, the frustration surrounding their lack of quality centre-backs comes sharply into focus.
Chelsea’s wage model has made it difficult to attract experienced defenders who could provide immediate stability. As a result, they continue to rely heavily on youthful prospects still learning their trade.
Watching the Blues lose crucial games like this – matches that could have strengthened their position in the Premier League table – only reinforces the growing belief that the club’s transfer and wage policies might need urgent reconsideration, especially when quality centre-backs are in the market.
Chelsea vs Sunderland: Defensive Frailties Highlight Missed Transfer Window Investment
The Blues opted against signing a quality defender to give Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato, both 19, more game time and the chance to gain valuable experience. The motive behind this is twofold: to develop their young talents for the future and because the club believes in the potential and quality both players possess.
This season, the Blues have conceded 11 goals, with some coming from schoolboy mistakes that players at this level shouldn’t be making.
Against Sunderland, Acheampong played a key role in keeping the score level, showing composure beyond his years. However, when he was taken off, the defence looked noticeably less stable.
Replacing him with an experienced defender to stabilise the backline might have secured at least a point for the Blues. Instead, a defensive mix-up in stoppage time led to a painful 90+2 goal, underlining the risks of relying too heavily on young, inexperienced players in critical moments.
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Conclusion
Under the new Blues regime, players are rewarded based on performance – the better you play, the more you earn. However, established stars are often reluctant to accept such terms, preferring guaranteed high wages upfront given their proven track records at previous clubs.
The current Premier League table is showing the reality of the Blues’ situation, and while their ambition is clear, experience remains lacking.
The Blues’ defence remains a major area of concern, with clear signs that improvement is needed. They can’t compete for the league title with the crop of defenders at their disposal.
Head coach Enzo Maresca, during the transfer window after finding out the extent of Levi Colwill’s injury, said:
“It’s a priority [strengthening in defence] because Levi Colwill is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played all the games with me. I love him; we’re going to miss him.
“The club know exactly what I am thinking. I think we need a central defender, but we are also looking for an internal solution.”
That statement made it clear that Maresca was aware of the team’s need for experience in defence. Yet, rather than bringing in seasoned players who could provide immediate stability and success, the club chose to persist with its focus on young prospects with “potential” – a risky approach that could either pay off or backfire.
On Wednesday, it’s Chelsea vs Wolves as the Blues turn their attention to the EFL Cup, aiming to bounce back from their disappointing defeat just days ago. The EFL fixtures also feature Arsenal vs Brighton, Liverpool vs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United vs Tottenham.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 17.08.2025