How will you manage 44 players? - Mikel Obi questions Chelsea’s recruitment

Nigerian footballer John Obi Mikel has expressed concerns about Chelsea's recruitment strategy during the 2024 summer transfer window.

He finds it puzzling why the club's management continues to sign new players without selling existing ones to balance the squad size.

The former Chelsea midfielder pointed out that the current squad size of around 44 players poses a challenge for the coach's strategy for the upcoming season.

"I look at the team and we have 44 players in the squad. Please, tell me how you will manage and integrate all these players. It's a worry. We keep buying everybody that's got a price tag," Obi said during a podcast shared by Vince on X on August 15, 2024.

Chelsea's squad roster includes 47 players eligible to play this season. The club has spent a staggering £185.4 million in the summer transfer window and continues to pursue more signings.

According to a Sky Sports report, the club has spent a total of 1.016 billion euros since Todd Boehly's takeover, making it one of the largest squads in Premier League history.

Despite the departure of twenty players, Enzo Maresca faces the tough task of naming a 25-man squad for the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Premier League requires each club to submit a 25-man squad list after the summer transfer window closes, including at least eight English players.

Coach Enzo Maresca now faces the challenge of making strategic decisions on who will be included in the official squad and how to manage the remaining players effectively.

Chelsea's first game of the season is against Manchester City on Sunday, August 18, 2024 (kick-off at 4:30 p.m.), and there are growing questions about the right players to make the squad.

View the tweet below:

🗣 John Obi Mikel on Chelsea's summer business: "I look at the team and we have 44 players in the squad. Please, tell me how you will manage and integrate all these players. It's a worry. We keep buying everybody that's got a price tag."

~ @obionepodcast pic.twitter.com/aB2qVDZxGd

— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) August 15, 2024