Micah Richards has defended under-fire Chelsea owner, Todd Boehly, for his transfer dealings, including signing Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in the summer.
The former defender stated that it was ‘good business’ from Chelsea to sign the 19-year-old from Aston Villa, as well as the ‘good players’ they have purchased for well over £200 million.
Despite that spending spree under the now-sacked Thomas Tuchel, the West London club are sitting tenth in the Premier League table, with new boss Graham Potter struggling to get his engine going since joining from Brighton.
When Chukwuemeka made the move, he had less than 12 months left on his contract at Villa Park and it was obvious he was heading for a free transfer.
Rather than losing him for nothing, the Midlands outfit managed to secure a £20 million deal for the teenager (Sky Sports), who was a bit-part player at the club, at best.
Nonetheless, this is what Richards had to say about Chelsea’s business in the market, including the Chukwuemeka deal, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
“Chukwuemeka, yeah, he came from Aston Villa, a little bit unknown, but he’s got ability,” said Richards. “He is very highly rated, so you get him for a decent fee. I thought that was good business.
“Everyone wants to slam Boelhy and what he is doing. Yes, he got rid of some successful people at the club. You can be mad about that.
“But the actual players that he has signed. If I look at that, then I am thinking ‘okay, I agree. I like these players. Maybe the Aubameyang one was a little bit, but it was a short-term fix.’.
“The rest of them I would say are good signings. It’s just that the players, at this moment, aren’t performing.”
CHELSEA STILL GOING…
Someone put a count on the transfer spend from Chelsea because they are still going.
With the January transfer window open, those in the Stamford Bridge boardroom aren’t letting off because they have just signed Joao Felix.
The Portugal international arrived on a loan deal from Athletico Madrid, with the London club paying a £9 million loan fee, and that’s not even including the wages, which they are paying in full.
So, clearly, the transfer spend isn’t affecting Boehly, who isn’t letting up.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
