Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer will only take them so far.
Image credit: ESPN FC
Chelsea supporters are calling for the dismissal of co-sporting directors after a series of disappointing results, culminating in an FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite an initial promising start under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s form has dipped significantly, winning just three of their last 10 matches across all competitions.
However, instead of blaming the head coach, fans have turned their frustration towards the club’s transfer chiefs, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, citing their recruitment strategy as a major issue.
Big Spending, Little Progress
Since Clearlake Capital took over, Chelsea has spent close to €1.4 billion on new signings.
Yet, their squad remains plagued with glaring weaknesses—no reliable goalkeeper, an over-reliance on Cole Palmer, and the absence of a proven goalscorer or prolific winger.
Winstanley and Stewart were tasked with assembling a squad filled with young talent, but their approach has led to growing discontent among supporters.
The Blues have not lifted a domestic trophy since 2018, and fans believe the club’s failure to acquire experienced, top-tier players has hindered progress.
Fan Reactions
Many Chelsea supporters have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, demanding a shift in the club’s transfer policy and even calling for Winstanley and Stewart’s removal.
Stewart and Winstanley need to be thrown out the door first and foremost, then I will listen to other concerns.#StewartOUT #WinstanleyOUT #SportingDirectorsOUT
— ChelseaHQ (@ChelseaHQ_) February 9, 2025
Maresca has been set up to fail by Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart and Clearlake Capital. Our performances lately haven’t been good but EVERYONE can see the main issue is the unbalanced squad building. #ChangeTheHierachy #BackMaresca pic.twitter.com/Q5yYephkxy
— Pys (@CFCPys) February 8, 2025
how can you spend close to a billion and still have glaring holes in every department on the field. only chelsea football club
— ♱ (@getjvggy) February 3, 2025
The growing unrest suggests that pressure is mounting on the club’s hierarchy to reconsider their strategy in the upcoming transfer windows.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Chelsea will need to address their squad’s weaknesses or risk further backlash from their passionate fanbase.
Will the club respond to these concerns, or will their youth-focused recruitment strategy continue? Only time will tell.