Chelsea are probably set for their worst finish to a Premier League season in the last few decades. The Blues are currently languishing in 11th, and performances on the pitch seem nowhere close to improving – which throws the idea of Champions League football next season into doubt.
The only way that they can qualify for next season’s tournament is by winning it this year. But even that seems unlikely given the side of the bracket that they find themselves on. Moreover, the club is also struggling financially and will be in dire need to generate revenue while cutting back on expenses next season.
Chelsea’s miserable condition on and off the pitch summed up
The quarter finals of the Champions League generates around €70-75 million, while winning the tournament brought the club €120 million in 2021. A Round of 16 qualification will bring the club around €60 million, and that is the kind of revenue that they will be missing out on next season.
To compensate for it, they will have to sell players and find ways of increasing revenue through sponsorships or otherwise.
Chelsea spent over €600 million on player signings alone, with no signs of slowing down. They will have to cut down on squad size next season, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus Cheek and more destined to leave the club.
Their lavish spending has made them the first British club to have a billion Euros worth of debt. Their most recent accounts show €140 million worth of losses, while payouts worth €56 million were also given to directors to help with the club sale process.
As a result, it is essential that the club functions better next season and that the finances are managed carefully. Otherwise, Chelsea run the risk of another FFP strike given the sheer volume of losses they have already accumulated.
