Joe Cole has lauded the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital for the smooth transition of Chelsea's takeover this summer. The Blues were seemingly destined for misery when the UK Government decided to sanction Roman Abramovich, but the American-led ownership group swooped and calmed the storm.
Eager to set off on the right foot and impress both Chelsea supporters and Thomas Tuchel, Boehly has welcomed five new faces to west London this summer, including Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina, who has returned to the United States on loan.
The quintuple of signings have cost Chelsea an eye-watering fee in the region of £170million, and the former Blues midfielder is satisfied with the business. Cole, who joined the west Londoners amid Abramovich's maiden transfer window, spoke to the Evening Standard to give an initial - and honest - review of Boehly's tenure.
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"The business has been great," Cole said. "I've read from other pundits that it has been a bit slapdash, but I don't agree. Koulibaly, at 31, is one of the best central defenders. How else would you replace Rudiger? You need that ready-made replacement now. That's a fantastic bit of business.
"We needed goals and experience at the top end of the pitch, and we've got Raheem Sterling as a great bit of business," the 40-year-old added. "Cucurella is very good, and we saw that against Everton. Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa is one of the most talented players in England. That signing is even more important when you realise that signing young players from Europe has changed since Brexit.
"It important that even if we pay a bit more than we want to, we're getting the best young British players in the door for the next generation. I think this transfer window has not finished yet and has already been great."
Cole continued by outlining what he'd like to see Boehly do before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of next month. He said: "I would like to see a centre forward come in. I don't think that it is desperate. If it doesn't work business-wise, then it can wait.
"With the winter World Cup coming, I think the January transfer window will be spicier as well. I don't think to buy for the sake of buying, but if the right player becomes available, then I am sure the owners will go and do it."
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