Chelsea has been ordered to pay an additional seven-figure sum to Brighton for two young players, further adding to their staggering transfer bill. The tribunal’s ruling mandates Chelsea to shell out £1 million initially, with the potential to rise to £4.25 million, for 16-year-old striker Shumaira Mheuka, who joined the club in July 2022. Additionally, Brighton stands to receive up to £3.15 million for promising left-back Zak Sturge, along with an extra £250,000 if the 19-year-old represents England.
This development comes amidst Chelsea’s unprecedented spending spree under the ownership of Todd Boehly, which has now surpassed £225 million paid to Brighton alone for players and staff. The acquisitions include high-profile signings such as Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez, alongside managerial appointments like Graham Potter. Despite criticism following their recent Carabao Cup final defeat, manager Mauricio Pochettino has defended the club’s ambitious spending, emphasizing the quality of the squad and the long-term vision of the new ownership.
