It was during the summer that Todd Boehly was accused of using Chelsea to play Football Manager. “When clubs are working well, you don’t hear who’s signing the players, you just sign them," added Gary Neville, who until October was chief executive at League Two side Salford City.
Neville's harsh criticism stemmed from the chaotic nature of Chelsea's transfer window. Multiple players were targeted. Countless deals were explored. And Boehly, acting as interim sporting director, racked up the air miles as he flew to meetings with clubs and agents on either side of the Atlantic.
It was all necessary work. The sanctions imposed by the UK government on Roman Abramovich – and by extension Chelsea – resulted in the club falling behind key rivals in the transfer market during the takeover process. It also meant first-team defenders Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger were able to walk away and join Barcelona and Real Madrid on free transfers.
