Since taking over Chelsea, it is quite clear that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have got a lot of things wrong.
Had they got everything right, Chelsea would not be in the bottom half of the table.
Their biggest mistake so far, then? While Thomas Tuchel is not doing so well at Bayern Munich right now, most would say getting rid of the German manager.
He did a brilliant job at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea were still sixth in the Premier League table when he was sacked. They would kill to be there now.
However, if reports about Reece James are true, then Todd Boehly and Co could be about to top the above.
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Chelsea’s plans for Reece James
James is still out injured, but going into the season, Mauricio Pochettino obviously had the right-back in his long-term plans.
After all, the Argentine named him captain after Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure last summer.
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Chelsea’s owners, though, may not be on the same page as Pochettino as they look to bring in some money for the club.
According to a report from The Times, Chelsea are preparing to sell James to avoid breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Conor Gallagher could be sold as well, with it being claimed that some at Stamford Bridge believe they may be able to shift him for £50m.
Todd Boehly’s biggest gaffe yet
Make no mistake, Boehly and Behdad Eghbali signing off on James being sold would trump every error they have made so far.
If James’ injuries persist, then in the future, perhaps it is something that should be considered. But as for now, they need to see how he recovers from his operation.
If it has done the trick and the 24-year-old can stay fit, then you are looking at one of the best right-backs in the world.
As per FBref, James is in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions and the 99th for successful take-ons among full-backs over the last 12 months. The England international causes so much havoc in attack.
Chelsea may need the money and have Malo Gusto, who is thriving. The Frenchman has racked up eight assists in 30 appearances for the Blues, and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara thinks he could go far in the game.
But all of that does not mean Chelsea should act rashly and get rid of James. When fit, he is one of the team’s most important players and should thus not be sold this summer.
