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Rating every summer signing for Chelsea

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Akarshak RoyAkarshak Roy
Morgan Rogers was Chelsea's biggest purchase of the summer
Morgan Rogers was Chelsea's biggest purchase of the summer

Chelsea closed the curtains on one of their most eventful transfer windows on Tuesday.

It was busy, memorable, and chaotic at times. But after a wholesale reshuffle, the West Londoners raised a record-breaking £437m from outgoings - a figure that could touch a whopping £500m with add-ons, sell on clauses and loan salaries included.

They spent a shade under £350m, with the BlueCo ownership drifting their strategy from unproven, raw talent and long-term contracts to more realistic deal-making plus experienced additions.

Without further ado, let's evaluate each summer arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Morgan Rogers - 9/10

The Blues' statement signing under new boss Xabi Alonso was Aston Villa's playmaker Morgan Rogers.

The 23-year-old recorded 10 goals and six assists last season in the Premier League, and has established himself as one of the hottest attacking prospects in the division.

He has made a fast start to life in a blue shirt, racking up a goal and assist in the opening couple of weeks. Signed for £117m, Rogers adds flair, notable experience and proven pedigree at this stage.

Valentin Barco - 6.5/10

Barco caught the eye when he starred for Brighton and Hove Albion ahead of the 2024-25 season. He was eventually snapped up by Strasbourg, before signing for the Blues this summer.

A versatile midfielder, who can also operate from left back, Barco glittered in the EFL Cup tie versus Luton Town playing centrally on the pitch.

With Chelsea short of ranks in the midfield following Enzo Fernandez's high-profile exit to Manchester City, Barco could prove to be a crucial enabler for Alonso.

Pep Chavarria - 5/10

Besides the obvious consistency and tenacity from left wing-back, Pep Chavarria's acquisition highlighted the seismic shift in Chelsea's transfer philosophy.

A 29-year-old defender from Rayo Vallecano, with 44 appearances and a European final under his belt last season, added to gel into the wing-back system under Alonso.

Chavarria made his debut in the opening match of the season, and could eventually take Jorrel Hato's place as the season wears on.

How well he replaces the king-sized shoes left by Marc Cucurella remains to be seen.

Jordan Henderson - 6/10

Brought in to infuse experience and a winning mentality into the dressing room, Jordan Henderson's coup from Brentford was a shrewd pick-up by Chelsea.

He may not have the legs to play three games every week, but for a side that will not participate in European competitions and must achieve top four as a minimum, Henderson's journey will inspire the younger generation of midfielders.

And with Moises Caicedo having aggravated a knock against Brighton last weekend, his services could be called upon sooner than later.

Maxence Lacroix - 7/10

Another addition from a fellow Premier League club and a recurring theme of signing players who were at the World Cup, Maxence Lacroix has slotted into the heart of defense like a duck to water.

Most prominently, he's a durable centre-half and an able leader who amassed 35 appearances apiece in each of the previous two league seasons for Crystal Palace.

Emiliano Martinez - 9/10

Rob Sanchez's errors between the sticks had been well-documented, and after a merry-go-round with goalkeepers - from Filip Jörgensen to Đorđe Petrović among others, Chelsea finally landed a two-time Yashin Trophy, Europa League winner and World Cup winner in Emi Martinez, from Aston Villa.

His voice from the last line of defense will hold key as the Blues prepare to compete again at the top. Furthermore, his three-year deal paves the way for the widely-heralded Mike Penders to take over.

Marco Palestra - 8/10

Pacy, direct and breathtaking. No player in Europe's top five leagues completed more dribbles than Italy international Marco Palestra last season.

The 21-year-old, expected to play the 'Jeremy Frimpong role' under Alonso down the right flank, has the credentials to be the league's fastest player. He would offer more defensive solidity than Pedro Neto as well, when he returns from injury.

Geovany Quenda - 4/10

Geovany Quenda is one of the brightest prospects from Portugal's new generation of talented forwards.

His signing was first confirmed in March 2025, but with just two spots to fill in Xabi Alonso's system behind the striker and with Cole Palmer, Rogers, Estevao, Neto and Jamie Gittens as his competitors, it will be up to Chelsea to manage the teenager's progress in the coming years and justify the £44m price tag.

Danny Welbeck - 6/10

Danny Welbeck netted a towering header on his debut for Chelsea in the EFL Cup, and when asked what he brings to the squad in terms of his experience, he added, "Age!"

Still going strong at 35, the 42-time capped England international has perhaps challenged his leadership attributes in a young group of attackers.

He will bring a focal point to the attack when on the pitch and if Chelsea are chasing games, especially due to his aerial superiority.

Dastan Satpayev - 5/10

Chelsea completed the signing of Dastan Satpayev from Kazakh side Kairat, following a breakout season where he smashed 26 goals from 58 appearances.

He signed until 2033 and was then immediately loaned out to Burnley to acquire his first taste of English football.

Another striker Chelsea will have to monitor closely and trust that the tools are present.

Harrison Bettoni - 3/10

Harrison Bettoni put pen to paper for Chelsea after an eye-catching season for Wigan Athletic in 2025-26.

He brings dual skills to the table, capable of filling in the number nine or as an attacking midfielder. Perhaps, moving to Chelsea, who have bolstered their forward ranks already might result in limited appearances.

Alfie Osborne - 4/10

Alfie Osborne was signed from Hearts and most recently captained the Scotland youth team in qualifying for the European U19 Championships.

Predominantly a centre-back, the 18-year-old can also play in midfield.

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Rating every summer signing for Chelsea