Chelsea chiefs Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart believe the club’s approach to huge contracts is all part of a long-term strategy - not to navigate financial rules.
The Blues have been happy to hand out lengthy deals to their stars since . Even players already with a number of seasons remaining on their deals have been offered lengthy extensions.
That includes , who this summer Fellow forward Nicolas Jackson also signed a new long-term contract, also until 2033.
Co-sporting directors Winstanley and Stewart have now explained that the strategy ensures keep hold of their better players - as opposed to navigating around the ’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
Speaking to , Winstanley said: “People always sit and think ‘well that’s what we’ve always done, so that’s what we’ve always got to continue doing’. But without forward thinking and progression, everyone will stand still. So it’s a clever concept the owners implemented in the beginning and what they believed in. Once we looked at it together in isolation, we were like ‘yeah, you can definitely see how this can work’. And we believe in it.”
He added: “Well, you’re not getting any benefit from a PSR position on it any more and we’ve still continued with it. So if it was just for PSR, we’d have stopped doing it. That was never at the forefront of the owners’ minds when we spoke to them about how we see it working, how we all see it working as a club.”
“It’s because the players, the talent and the value they have over the long term is really important to the clubs,” Stewart then revealed. “Really, it is the biggest nod towards the ability to identify talent. You’ve got to get that right if you’re going to put players on these long contracts and then it’s your ability to develop players and develop talent, and that’s one of the key things that we talk about internally, is to make our players better, across all of our teams.”
Will Enzo Maresca be a success with Chelsea?
Despite the explanations, Chelsea’s contract strategy has courted criticism. Former star is among those to have taken aim.
Speaking earlier this year, he said: "One thing we do know is they have recruited badly. There are players they bought two years ago who they are already trying to get rid of. It feels chaotic and bizarre some of the contract lengths being given.
"I ask the question quite regularly; what is it they know that the rest of football doesn't know? Smart clubs like , , , , Man City - what do this group of owners know that the rest of football doesn't?
"I'm still asking that question and still haven't got the answer. You relate it to things like amortisation, FFP, sustainability rules - no it's not. Cole Palmer, nine-year contract, he was already at the club. There's no real benefit there, it doesn't help with sustainability.”
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
You may also like
Lebanon's Nabatiyeh mayor killed in Israeli strikes as Hezbollah strongholds targeted
'Assisted dying would have ended my mum's misery - she begged to be put to sleep'
A Milestone for Women and Child Welfare: Foundation Laid for India's First Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Bhavan
Britain's Got Talent fans divided after first-look at new judging panel unveiled
Fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria kills over 90
Samsung workers decide to call off strike after thirty-eight days
Dhanteras: 29 or 30 October! When is Dhanteras? Know the date and auspicious time of worship
PM Modi renews his membership as BJP's first active member
Truecaller Introduces UPI-Based Verified Badges For Premium Users, Know All About Its Features
Incredible 1,200-mile train ride that's one of the longest in Europe and costs just £18
Ministry of Home Affairs seeks reports on series of bomb hoax calls to airlines
Amazon slashes prices on best-selling Ariel laundry pods to match Costco's rates
Primark shoppers love £12 slippers that look just like Ugg Tasman's
'This Majority Sierra Plus soundbar transformed my budget TV – but there was one major flaw'
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's close aide steps down as MUDA chairman amid land allotment scam probe
World Bread Day: Eight Iconic Breads from Around the World
Garden fans love leaf blower and vacuum that's 'lightweight and easy to use'
Sir Alex Ferguson offers Thomas Tuchel alternative to Man Utd despite brutal axe
INDvNZ, 1st Test: Day 1 Play Called Off Due To Rain In Bengaluru
Chelsea still have to fix huge problem after Todd Boehly forced to shell out £30m