Marcus Rashford Schools Chelsea Owner Todd Boehly on the Art of Transfer Victory

If new contract negotiations fail to address the future, the Blues could lose their star academy graduate over the summer. This is a common trend among young English players who run down their contracts, causing clubs to worry. Chelsea has experienced this before and has allowed academy graduates to leave for various reasons, including fundraising, lack of opportunities in the first team, and prioritizing big money signings. In the past, many talented players have left Stamford Bridge. However, the Blues have not been compelled to make many sales in recent years. The largest one was Eden Hazard, who provided seven years of excellent service and a significant transfer fee when his contract expired and Real Madrid offered a substantial sum.

Tammy Abraham was not forced out of the club, as he had been out of the team for six months before being sold to Roma. Many other talented players did not have the opportunity to showcase their skills before leaving. However, the current crop of players is different. Reece James, who is likely the club’s most valuable asset, has signed a long-term contract. Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, and Conor Gallagher could have each fetched over £30m if Chelsea had decided to sell them over the summer. Instead, they have become the foundation of an academy-led squad. As underperforming players leave the club during the summer, this trio will remain as important as ever.

If Chelsea can’t resolve new contract talks with their star academy graduate, they may lose him over the summer. The club has previously allowed academy graduates to leave for various reasons, including raising money or lack of first team opportunities. However, the current crop of young players, such as Reece James, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, and Conor Gallagher, are crucial to the academy-led foundation of the squad. Despite their potential high value, Chelsea has decided to keep them.

Academy players have no amortized value, so when sold, their transfer fee goes down as pure profit. Therefore, the departure of at least one Cobham graduate at the end of the season is likely, as Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital may need a youth product on the books to help balance the spreadsheets. Mason Mount, who joined Chelsea over 15 years ago, is at serious risk of leaving the club as his contract enters the last 18 months, and there is a current contract stand-off. Mount wants to be paid like the best at the club, but also doesn’t wish to be tied down on a baseball-style contract like the new January recruits.

Chelsea will not take the risk of losing Mount for free in the summer of 2024, so they are prepared to let the two-time player of the year aged 24 leave in just over three months. This situation is similar to that of Bukayo Saka at Arsenal and Phil Foden at Manchester City, but Marcus Rashford’s situation with Manchester United worked out well in the end.

Rashford struggled through the last term but was given trust and patience from the club, which paid off this season. Mount’s situation is comparable, and it would be a shame for Chelsea to lose him given his quality and contribution to the club’s identity. Boehly/Clearlake may be business people, but they are smart enough to see the value in keeping academy players. Although it might take flexibility and give from both sides, Rashford’s work at United has already proven that there is a better answer than to sell on the table.