Estevao sealed the three points with a last minute winner. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Ex-Chelsea boss claims club have 'radicalised' transfer market as he speaks out on approach

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 3:45 AM ET

Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas believes the Blues have “radicalised” the way to approach the transfer market.

Chelsea have totally revamped their transfer strategy since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022.

The Blues are heavily focused on signing the best young talents from around the world, and have also entered into multi club ownership after acquiring Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.

Andre Villas-Boas on Chelsea transfer approach

Chelsea also offer long contracts with most new players signing seven year deals, whilst they’ve made a huge effort to reduce the wage bill.

The Blues offer performance based contracts with lower base wages, but earnings increase the more successful the individual and team are.

Chelsea have come in for criticism for their approach, but there are signs that it’s working, with the Blues winning two trophies last season.

Other clubs are now following suit with signing young players and offering longer contracts, and Villas-Boas believes Chelsea have “radicalised” the transfer market.

“Chelsea has radicalised the way to approach the transfer market,” he old Give Me Sport.

“It’s a totally different vision – getting the best out of young kids, investing via BlueCo in a multi-club ownership and getting the most out of that as well, with players coming in from Strasbourg like Andrey Santos.

“So [they have] a lot of quality, a lot of talent, probably Emegha in the future.

“So it’s a new way to approach the transfer window, a new way to work out the transfer market and long-term contracts with the pros and cons that that brings.

“But they were successful. They won the FIFA Club World Cup and Conference League.”

“Maresca is a great coach and man with a vision, process, ideas, so they look to be on the right path.”

Will the Blues win the Premier League with this approach?

Whilst Chelsea have picked up two trophies under the new ownership, the one fans really want is the Premier League title.

The Blues haven’t won the title since 2017, and haven’t finished higher than third since that success under Antonio Conte.

Whether this way of operating will lead to a Premier League title remains to be seen, and there’s still quite a gap to close to the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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