Transfer Centre

Mauricio Pochettino: 'Chelsea can make January signings without sales'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 January 2024

Pochettino: 'Chelsea can make signings without sales'

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino insists that Chelsea are in a position to make January signings despite concerns over their FFP position.

Mauricio Pochettino says that Chelsea are in a position where they can make signings during the January transfer window.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed a takeover in May 2022, Chelsea have spent in excess of £1bn across the three opportunities to do business.

Substantial sales were made last summer in order to offset some of the extravagant outgoings, yet nowhere near the amount that are required in the long term.

With that in mind, it has been widely reported that Chelsea must sell players in January if they want to make further acquisitions before the end of the month.

Borussia Dortmund are attempting to sign Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah is known to be available for transfer after not featuring during 2023-24.

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen acknowledges fans after the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, speaking to reporters at a press conference, Pochettino insisted that the West Londoners are free to do business without raising income from elsewhere.

The Argentine said, as quoted by football.london: "It is not like this. Like you know, too many rumours going around the clubs. It is not what they translate to me. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players."

Pochettino had previously answered questions over the possibility of signing a new forward, as well as how conversations had played out with the club's owners and recruitment team.

He said: "I am very positive and happy with the squad. We are working, if something appears, we will announce. At the moment we are assessing and working normally, how we have been working from the beginning of the season.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts on December 16, 2023 © Reuters

"We keep a good relationship and I think everything is very well. Conversations, normal conversations that we need to have and if we decide something we will announce as soon as possible."

Pochettino also addressed the evolving situation regarding Andrey Santos, who has returned to Chelsea on the back of his failed loan stint with Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder is due to spend the coming weeks with Brazil's Under-23 side, with Pochettino suggesting that Chelsea will take their time before making a decision on his next move.

On the transfer front, the latest name to be linked with Chelsea is Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Paredes, who has starred in La Liga this season.