Chelsea re-signed Champions League-winning goal machine and PSG captain as free agents
As we all know Chelsea’s transfer strategy has come under fire in recent years, with several high-profile signings failing to make the desired impact.
Before Enzo Marescatook the reins, the acquisitions of Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Axel Disasi were all met with scepticism. Last summer, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also joined the ranks, with the former two already being shipped out on loan.
Despite the hefty investment under Clearlake Capital’s stewardship, Chelsea still have a mountain to climb to get back to the top of English football. With Maresca feeling the heat, there’s room for the Blues to bolster their squad with free agents. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the club’s most successful free transfers…
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva was snapped up by Frank Lampard’s side on a free transfer after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. He penned a one-year deal in 2020 and remained at the Bridge until 2024.
The Brazilian, who had won titles with AC Milan and PSG but never the Champions League, lifted the coveted trophy in his debut season with the Blues. Silva racked up 155 appearances for Chelsea and became the first defender since John Terry in 2006 to be named the club’s Player of the Year in 2023. He left at the end of his contract last summer to rejoin Fluminense.
Didier Drogba
Drogba, one of Chelsea’s most successful strikers, joined the club from Marseille in 2004 and won 10 trophies, including the 2012 Champions League, with his historic header and winning penalty.
After a brief stint in China with Shanghai Shenhua, he moved to Galatasaray and helped them clinch the Super Lig title before triumphantly returning to Stamford Bridge in 2014. He signed a one-year deal and secured his fourth Premier League title under Jose Mourinho.
Samuel Eto’o
Another iconic free striker transfer was Samuel Eto’o in 2013. After being part of the small group of players who moved to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, the Cameroon international reunited with Mourinho on a one-year deal.
He arrived after Chelsea failed to land Wayne Rooney and arrived on the back of scoring over 250 goals for the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Mallorca. He netted 12 times for the Blues, including a hat-trick against Man United. Although Chelsea never got the best of Eto’o, his spell was at least enjoyable.
Michael Ballack
Michael Ballack joined Chelsea following the expiry of his Bayern Munich contract, rejecting offers from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan. His decision to move to Stamford Bridge was influenced by Robert Huth and Jens Lehmann.
Having won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern, the midfielder joined to compete with Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele and Michael Essien as Mourinho’s options in midfield.
During his four-year stint in London, Ballack lifted three FA Cups, one Premier League and the League Cup, making more than 160 appearances. He bid farewell to the club in 2010 and hung up his boots for good in 2012.