Chelsea already know they made a mistake selling academy star during summer transfer window

Chelsea successfully raised significant funds through player sales during the summer transfer window, a move necessitated by UEFA sanctions for financial rule breaches, which required the club to sell players to register new signings for the Champions League. High-value sales included Joao Felix and Noni Madueke, though Facundo Buonanotte, a late loan signing, was omitted from the squad.

The sale of highly-rated academy defender Ishe Samuels-Smith to Strasbourg raised eyebrows, but Chelsea quickly reversed course, re-signing him from fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg and immediately loaning him to Swansea for the season. This abrupt change sparked questions about transactions between clubs under shared ownership.

Chelsea admitted to making a mistake in selling Samuels-Smith, though they maintained the transfer was conducted properly. The club had previously held high hopes for the defender, but his path to the first team became uncertain after other transfer activities, including the departure of left-back options Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell.

Instead of relying on Samuels-Smith for cover, Chelsea signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax amid Premier League competition. Hato is poised to make his debut after the international break, as current left-back Marc Cucurella played extensively for Spain. Meanwhile, Samuels-Smith will aim to debut for Swansea against Hull City in the Championship.