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Questioning Chelsea's transfer policy

Questioning Chelsea's transfer policy


This summer Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, signing the likes of Marco Van Ginkel and Andre Schurrle; but are these really the players that Mourinho needs?

When Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge, many fans would've been excited to see the "Special One" returning to the Premier League. He brought success to Stamford Bridge in the short time that he was in charge and many Chelsea fans expect that even more success will be on the way.


This summer, Chelsea have been pretty busy in the transfer market. When Mourinho took charge in his first spell at the Blues, he was also busy too; signing the likes of Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho and Ashley Cole - all players that cost big money and would go on to be legends at the club. Back then, you felt that Mourinho was fully in charge of the transfer policy at the Bridge; working alongside Roman Abramovich to sign Europe's best talent.


Times have certainly changed in West London this time around though. Jose Mourinho claims to have calmed his ways over the past few years, and is a completely different manager this time around. After the successful spells he enjoyed at Inter Milan and Real Madrid; who can deny that Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world.


The return of Mourinho to Stamford Bridge surprised many. When Mourinho had been relieved of his duties as manager last time around, it was reported that the Portuguese coach had a high profile falling out with the club owner Roman Abramovich, partially over transfer policy and also there appeared to be some disagreements on team selection. 


This time around, does Mourinho have full charge of the transfer policy or does Roman Abramovich take more control of the transfer spend?


So far this summer, the Blues have brought in Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem and Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen, alongside the free transfer of former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. There is no doubt that the latter is a wonderful signing, Schwarzer may be getting on but he is still one of the best keepers in the league. However, Van Ginkel is far from his best, despite showing flashes of brilliance during his time in Arnhem. A move to Chelsea is not going to guarantee him first team football, and it certainly is an important time for his career development that he would be playing regularly. Witness what happened to Marko Marin last year, a young German hot prospect for the future, who came in but failed to make the grade at the Bridge and is now being shipped out. Surely the same cannot happen to Van Ginkel? Well it just might, as Michael Essien has been promised another chance at the Blues.


Then what about Andre Schurrle? Yet another attacking winger that the Blues don't need. If you think of the wealth of talent at Mourinho's disposal already; with Oscar, Juan Mata, Frank Lampard, Victor Moses and Eden Hazard eager to make an impression. Why add another?


These transfers all appear to be decisions made from the very top. Even before Schurrle had finally agreed a deal, Jose Mourinho went public and said he wasn't sure about a deal being wrapped up - a sure sign that the powers that be have taken charge of the transfer policy.


If Mourinho wants to build a team, he needs to take charge of all transfer decision making. That's what made him a great success at Inter Milan and at Porto; finding a gem and bringing them into his first team.


Andre Schurrle is a risky bet, Marco van Ginkel is too. There is no doubt both are quality players, but Jose Mourinho should demand greater control of the club's transfer policy.... or the club could again face an unhappy Mourinho.