I get that everyone has their own opinion on what is and what is not to be classed as a statement signing in football. But for me, Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, hopefully in the space of a few days, can only be deemed as a massive statement.
I think there is even an argument to say that just Sterling alone is a statement signing, and Koulibaly alone absolutely is 100% a statement signing. These are two players who have been playing in top leagues for years, consistently playing to the highest standard, come with vast experience, leadership, and pure top quality. There aren’t many teams in the world who would say no to these two players joining them.
The fact that Chelsea seem to be pulling both of these deals off within quick succession, and then getting them both to fly out to LA and join them on their pre-season tour and do the media and unveiling there, really is a perfect example of making a statement.
Chelsea’s new owners want to send a message to the world of football; to say that they have arrived, and they mean serious business. Signing world class players within quick succession is serious business.
Blues fans should be very excited by the developments this week and the rumours of even more players arriving, I think it marks the start of one heck of a transfer window for Todd Boehly and co.
