Just when Chelsea fans thought they had seen it all in the transfer window, the Blues threw a curveball on deadline day. While most clubs were winding down their business, Chelsea, under the expansion plans led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, revealed that they were not quite finished with their summer signings. A bombshell was dropped by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano when he disclosed Chelsea’s formal bid for Corinthians’ rising star, Gabriel Moscardo.
The bid, reportedly around £20 million ($24 million), raised eyebrows, especially considering Chelsea’s earlier acquisitions and potential departures. The plan involved signing Moscardo and immediately loaning him back to Brazil until the following year. This move would add Moscardo to a growing list of teenage signings, with a significant South American presence, showcasing Chelsea’s commitment to building for the future.
While it’s challenging to discern how these young talents fit into Chelsea’s long-term plans, the club’s aspiration is clear: they want these players to succeed on the pitch and ultimately turn a profit when sold down the line. The pursuit of Moscardo, who could become one of the top 10 most expensive Brazilian players aged 19 or under to move in world football according to Transfermarkt, underscores Chelsea’s ambitious investment in young talent.
Corinthians’ History of Successful Player Sales
Corinthians, the club Chelsea is looking to acquire Gabriel Moscardo from, boasts a commendable track record in player sales. Their roster of former players includes Paulinho, who had a mixed career with Tottenham before joining Barcelona, and Carlos Tevez, who enjoyed tremendous success in Europe. The club has also produced talents like Javier Mascherano and former Chelsea winger Willian.
Corinthians’ alumni list further extends to Edu Gaspar, center-back Felipe, Renato Augusto, Malcom, and Marquinhos, contributing to the narrative of young Brazilian talents finding success on the global stage. Players such as Rodrygo at Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr., both among the most expensive teenage transfers from Brazil, have justified their price tags. The emergence of Vitor Roque and Endrick, poised for a rivalry in Spain, adds to the lineage of successful Brazilian exports.
Chelsea’s hope is evident: they aim to replicate this success with their own investments in players like Santos and Moscardo, setting a positive precedent for the club’s future ventures in the transfer market.
Chelsea’s Multi-Club Vision Takes Shape
Chelsea’s last-minute pursuit of Gabriel Moscardo and their broader strategy of acquiring young South American talents signal the club’s determination to expand their multi-club model. The decision to potentially loan Angelo Gabriel to RC Strasbourg hints at a more extensive plan in motion. Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, currently with Nottingham Forest, stands as another high-profile name in Chelsea’s growing portfolio of youthful prospects.
As Chelsea bolsters its youth age groups with promising talents, questions arise about the roadmap for these players. The club’s vision is twofold: they anticipate the cream of the crop to thrive, akin to the elite Cobham academy graduates, while the rest should generate substantial profits when eventually transferred. The signing of Gabriel Moscardo at a significant cost emphasizes the club’s unwavering commitment to this multi-club strategy. Chelsea will be eagerly watching Santos and Moscardo, hoping they can follow in the footsteps of Brazilian talents who have left an indelible mark on the global football stage.
