‘We plan two transfer windows in advance’ –Chelsea sporting director explain transfer policy

Chelsea fans
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart has explained the club’s approach during the past transfer window.

Although Paul and Lawrence admitted that the number of players involved in the transfer during the summer was quite large, they further explained that a method was used for their approach.

During a statement with the club media, Winstanley said: “We will plan two transfer windows in advance.

“We can’t be reactionary. We’ve got to look at the whole squad, the players that are out on loan, and opportunities we can give to players in the Academy.

Winstanley also defended the record amount of incomings and outgoings he and Stewart oversaw this summer, adding: “We knew there was going to be a big transition.

“No chance to sit back and relax, that’s for sure. Did we think we would oversee a Premier League record of transactions? Probably not.

“But the average age of the squad was high, we had players with contract issues which had been inherited from an ownership change, and then there were players who made it clear they wanted to leave. That needed to be addressed.”

Stewart added: “That is the player puzzle we’ve got to pull together.

“We’ll go through that review and reflection process now as we continue with the plan.

“Then, as we get closer to January, we look at things again. Is there anything urgent we need? Is anything pressing? Or is there an interesting opportunity?”

Stewart also said, “The volume of players out, the volume of players in, the turnaround has been significant.

“But there were certain things we had to achieve for the club, and for the group, this summer because results on the pitch at the end of last season made it clear it wasn’t working. We had to make changes to put the club in a better position. We feel we’ve done that.”