March 21 – Chelsea’s strategy of locking down their players on long-term contracts is paying off in terms of squad stability, but it might come back to bite them as their financial commitments continue to grow. According to the latest study from CIES Football Observatory, a staggering 91.8% of Chelsea’s current squad is contracted until at least 2026, securing their place at the top of the table for ‘minutes secured’ across 37 global leagues.
In simpler terms, the Blues have a near-complete hold on their squad for the foreseeable future.
While this provides stability, it also leaves them with a hefty financial burden, especially as the club continues to spend significantly on player acquisitions. The commitment to long-term deals has positioned Chelsea in a strong place for continuity, but the flipside is that it may limit their flexibility in the transfer market when the need for squad turnover arises.
The Blues have spent in the heavy excess of £1billion to build the current squad. Just recently, star man Cole Palmer (pictured) penned a two-year extension on his already seven-year deal to keep the England international at the club until 2033.
Chelsea’s approach is far from unique, though. AS Monaco, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United all sit in the top six, demonstrating that squad planning with a focus on future-proof contracts is becoming increasingly popular. It also had been important in amortising the costs of the transfer across multiple year to keep within financial fair play rules, though that practice has been shut by UEFA.
A trend has arisen of top stars moving clubs for free at the end of their contracts, most notably Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid and Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to FC Barcelona – but now some of Europe’s top clubs have cottoned on.
Notably, AS Monaco and AZ Alkmaar follow closely behind Chelsea with 91.3% and 89.2% of their minutes secured, respectively.
In comparison, Manchester United, as they prepare for yet another summer rebuild, could face challenges with long-term contracts, as a large portion of their squad is locked in for the long haul. At the time, signing high-value players such as Casemiro and Antony on long-term contracts looked like the sensible choice, though now the club face a tough task in moving unwanted players on, with their performances far from the expectations set upon arrival.
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, Zenit St. Petersburg and Coventry City make up the top ten, highlighting the diverse nature of this trend. While Chelsea’s financial strength enables them to lock down their talent, clubs from smaller leagues, such as Zenit, are also demonstrating similar strategies.
Despite the financial risks, Paris Saint-Germain (with 88.4% of their minutes secured) and Arsenal (85.8%) are benefiting from stable, long-term squad planning, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle future challenges, both on and off the pitch.
In the end, while long-term contracts might be seen as a tool for future stability, Chelsea’s approach also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of overcommitting to players, especially in a transfer market that could require rapid adaptation and flexibility.
To see the full data, click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745646260labto1745646260ofdlr1745646260owedi1745646260sni@g1745646260niwe.1745646260yrrah1745646260