Chelsea secured the dream January signing of Enzo Fernandez but it may have cost them the chance of finishing a deal for Jude Bellingham. Having already spent over £550million this season Todd Boehly is now under pressure to comply with financial restraints and rules from UEFA and the Premier League.
Although there is an easy way out of balancing the books by selling a homegrown player, it isn't the optimal way to do business, especially as the new owners want an onus on academy players in the first team squad. The sale of someone like Callum Hudson-Odoi might offer a way out, though.
The issue is that it is not just a financial persuasion needed with Borussia Dortmund to get Bellingham. The player himself needs to be convinced of the project he is signing up for. With the world and all of Europe's best clubs at his feet it makes perfect sense to take his time forming a decision.
