Jamie Carragher has questioned Chelsea’s direction under Todd Boehly and Enzo Maresca – claiming the Blues are still no nearer to mounting a Premier League title challenge despite becoming world champions and splashing another quarter of a billion pounds on new signings.
Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States earlier this summer and will return to the Champions League next season after securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League – their best since Boehly’s 2022 takeover.
But Carragher is not convinced that Maresca’s revamped squad is any stronger than before, suggesting the club’s recruitment has lacked impact despite eight summer arrivals costing around £250million combined.
‘When I look at Chelsea, I think about what you did in the Club World Cup – everyone wanted to win it,’ said the former Liverpool defender, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate.
‘Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and so did Manchester City, all those that we class as the best teams.
‘So I do think it’s a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and the supporters, which wasn’t really there last season.
Chelsea are world champions after winning the revamped FIFA Club World Cup last month
But Jamie Carragher does not expect to see Chelsea become English champions this season
‘I’m not sure it’ll push Chelsea any closer to the title though. When Chelsea do business, over the last couple of years, it feels like a lot of players are changing without anyone really lifting the level.
‘I know Cole Palmer has been amazing, but all your wingers feel the same.
‘A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens coming in and Madueke leaving – there is no elevation, and I see that with a lot of positions at Chelsea.’
Carragher was referring to the £55m arrival of England Under-21 winger Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, who has effectively replaced Noni Madueke – now at Arsenal following a £52m switch.
Several big-name players have left Stamford Bridge once again this summer, reflecting Chelsea’s ongoing squad churn during the Boehly era, with Joao Felix, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also departing in deals worth more than £150m combined.
Incoming players include Joao Pedro (£60m), Liam Delap (£30m), Jorrel Hato (£37m), Estevao Willian (£28m), Dário Essugo (£18.5m), and Mamadou Sarr (£12m).
Both Pedro and Delap made an instant impact by scoring in the Club World Cup, before Brazilian teenager Estevao — who played against the Blues in the USA — officially joined following his 18th birthday.
However, Maresca’s long-term project has also seen several new arrivals head straight out on loan to BlueCo’s French club Strasbourg, including Sarr and Kendry Paez.
Chairman Todd Boehly has overseen another summer of serious spending at Stamford Bridge
Including the £60m arrival of Joao Pedro, Chelsea have spent around £250m on new signings
New signings Dario Essugo, Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Estevao Willian pictured together at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday
Carragher, who has previously criticised Chelsea’s policy of handing out ultra-long contracts, believes the current structure could eventually backfire.
Discussing Cole Palmer earlier this year, Carragher said: ‘He may become like a Steven Gerrard-type figure in a team that’s not quite good enough – and then it’s frustrating, because you feel like you’re better than everybody else.
‘And when you’re on those long contracts, it’s difficult to get out.’
Palmer, a standout performer last season, is tied to the club until 2033 – a reflection of the Boehly regime’s strategy but one that Carragher remains wary of.
Chelsea will kick off their 2025-26 campaign on August 17 with a London derby against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
