“The priority now should be to sell him in the next transfer window. This £35m flop has failed to live up to expectations and is draining the squad’s momentum,” – This is according to Frank Lampard as he urges Maresca to offload a struggling Chelsea player signed under Todd Boehly’s regime.

After Todd Boehly took over Chelsea in May 2022, few could have anticipated the massive wave of transfers that would follow at Stamford Bridge.

The American billionaire purchased the club from Roman Abramovich for a reported £4.25 billion. Despite the significant outlay to acquire the Blues, Boehly has since poured even more money into strengthening the squad.

Nearly three years on, Boehly has invested approximately £1.2 billion in new signings, building for both immediate success and long-term growth.

Navigating Spending Rules

Somehow, Chelsea has managed to avoid sanctions under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) or Financial Fair Play (FFP), a surprising feat given the sheer volume of spending in recent years.

With such a flurry of transfers, it was inevitable that some players would exceed expectations while others would fall short.

Success Stories in the Boehly Era

One standout has been Nicolas Jackson, who faced criticism last season despite scoring 14 Premier League goals. Since Enzo Maresca’s arrival as manager, Jackson has elevated his performances, netting eight goals in his first 13 matches this season, making him one of the league’s joint top scorers alongside Cole Palmer.

Moises Caicedo, signed for a record-breaking £115 million from Brighton, has also begun to justify his hefty price tag. The 23-year-old has made 63 appearances and contributed key moments, including a spectacular long-range goal against Bournemouth.

Transfers That Missed the Mark

However, not all signings have been as successful. Central defender Benoit Badiashile, brought in for £35 million from Monaco in January 2023, has struggled to find his place. The 23-year-old has only made 44 appearances for Chelsea and has been relegated to Europa Conference League duty this season, with just 157 minutes played in the Premier League.

Despite high hopes when Badiashile joined, including Boehly describing him as an “excellent young player,” the defender’s impact has been limited. With a reported £90,000-a-week salary, his lack of game time has raised questions about his future at the club.

A Change on the Horizon?

Badiashile’s lack of league appearances under Maresca suggests he may need a fresh start elsewhere to reignite his career. At just 23 years old, he still has time to fulfill his potential, but Chelsea may have to accept a financial loss if they choose to sell.

While Boehly was initially “delighted” to secure his signature, pundits like Gabby Agbonlahor have described Badiashile’s Chelsea stint as “dreadful.” A transfer could be the best option for both the player and the club, allowing him to rebuild his career while freeing up resources for Chelsea to invest elsewhere.