Wat-Not Staff
Washington Spirit rookie midfielder Croix Bethune will miss the remainder of the 2024 NWSL season due to a knee injury sustained while throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game. The 23-year-old, who was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Paris last month, tore her meniscus “away from training,” according to the club. With five goals and 10 assists in 17 games, Bethune had been a standout this season before the injury. She is now set to undergo rehabilitation and will not return until next year.
Chelsea’s High-Spending Strategy: A New Era of Long-Term Contracts
Chelsea’s approach to squad building under Boehly and Clearlake has redefined player contract norms in football. While most clubs operate on standard three- to five-year contracts, Chelsea has taken the unconventional route of signing young players on contracts stretching as long as nine years. This strategy, borrowed from the baseball world where such long-term deals are more common, aims to provide both security for the players and financial flexibility for the club. By locking in young talents at lower initial wages with performance-based incentives, Chelsea hopes to create a core group that can grow together over time.
However, this approach has raised eyebrows in the football world. Critics argue that while long-term contracts may work in baseball, football is far less predictable due to injuries, form slumps, and the need for constant squad rotations. Additionally, there’s concern that such extended contracts make it harder to offload underperforming players, leaving clubs stuck with inflated wage bills. Despite the skepticism, Chelsea’s owners believe their data-driven approach will eventually yield results, as evidenced by the early success of players like Cole Palmer.
Navigating an Overloaded Squad: A Balancing Act of Talent and Resources
Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment strategy has led to an overstocked squad, with 30 players vying for first-team spots and even more pushing from the U21s. This surplus has caused logistical issues at their training ground, with players reportedly getting ready in corridors during Graham Potter’s reign. While the intention behind signing young talents on long-term deals is clear, the execution has led to overcrowded positions, particularly in the attacking and goalkeeping departments. Managing this talent overload while ensuring player development and satisfaction remains a critical challenge for the club.
Moreover, the sheer number of players makes decision-making complex, with too many voices involved in recruitment and squad management. Chelsea’s bloated squad also raises concerns about how well these players can integrate and find regular playing time. While the club’s owners see this as an investment in future success, there’s a growing sentiment that Chelsea’s squad-building process is chaotic and unsustainable, leading many to question the long-term viability of their current strategy.
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