Jamie Carragher has questioned Chelsea's direction under Todd Boehly and Enzo Maresca – claim that the blues are still not closer to assembling a Premier League title, despite the fact that he became world champions and spatted a quarter of a billion pound on new signing sessions.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea has lifted the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and will return to the Champions League next season after achieving a fourth place in the Premier League-Hun Best since Boehly's 2022 takeover.
But Carragher is not convinced that the renewed Maresca team is stronger than before, which suggests that the recruitment of the club has had no impact, despite the fact that eight summer arrivals combined around £ 250 million.
“When I look at Chelsea, I think of what you did in the club World Cup – everyone wanted to win,” said the former Liverpool defender, who spoke about the debate about overlapping fan.
'Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and Manchester City too, all we classify as the best teams.
'So I think it is a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and the supporters, who was not real there last season.
'I am not sure if the Chelsea will push closer to the title. When Chelsea does business, it feels like many players change in the last few years without anyone really lifting the level.
'I know Cole Palmer has been great, but all your wing players feel the same.
'A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens who come in and leave Madueke – there is no height, and I see that with many positions at Chelsea. '
Carragher referred to the £ 55 million arrival of England under the 21 winger of Borussia Dortmund, who effectively replaced Noni Madueke in Arsenal after a £ 52 million switch.
Various big-to-go players have left Stamford Bridge again this summer, which reflects the current Chelsea team during the Boehly era, with Joao Felix, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall that also leaves in deals with more than £ 150m.
Incoming players are Joao Pedro (£ 60 million), Liam Delap (£ 30m), Jorrel Hato (£ 37 million), Estevao Willian (£ 28 million), Dário Essugo (£ 18.5 million) and Mamadou Sarr (£ 12m).
Both Pedro and Delap made an immediate impact by scoring the club World Cup, before the Brazilian teenager Estevao – who played against the blues in the US – became an official member after his 18th birthday.
However, Maresca's long -term project has also given various newcomers on loan to Blueco's French Club Strasbourg, including SARR and Kendry Paez.
Carragher, who previously criticized Chelsea's policy to hand out ultra-long contracts, is of the opinion that the current structure could ultimately be counterproductive.
Cole Palmer discussed Cleke Palmer earlier this year: 'He can become a figure of the Steven Gerrard-Type in a team that is not completely good enough and then it is frustrating because you feel that you are better than everyone else.
“And if you have those long contracts, it's hard to get out.”
Palmer, a striking artist last season, was tied to the club until 2033 – a reflection of the strategy of the Boehly regime, but a true Carragher remains on their guard.
Chelsea starts their 2025-26 campaign on August 17 with a London Derby against Crystal Palace in Stamford Bridge.