Topics: Chelsea, Todd Boehly, Frank Lampard, Premier League, Graham Potter
A number of Chelsea's new signings regret putting pen to paper on long-term contracts amid the club's messy predicament, a report claims.
A feature of Todd Boehly's regime has been to tie new additions down for long periods - with a number of stars signing for beyond the typical five years.
David Fofana's deal last until 2029, Benoit Badashille is contracted until 2030, Mykhailo Mudryk penned an eight-year deal until 2031 and Enzo Fernandez has already had his initial contract extended until 2032.
The Athletic, citing a first-team source, say many new players were informed they were going to be "key parts of an exciting project" during talks.
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Yet some, who have not yet established themselves as regulars, are now beginning to "express regret" for committing themselves for such an extensive spell.
But the fact they have signed long-term deal makes it incredibly difficult to move on in the summer window and is said to have created an "unwanted atmosphere" in the dressing room.
Chelsea, who find themselves in 12th place under winless interim boss Frank Lampard, have more than 30 players in their squad - which meant the club had to increase the size of the changing rooms.
Sometimes players are training with a completely different group of teammates each day, with being difficult to create the unity amongst the squad.
Boehly has spent more than £600 million and been through four coaches since purchasing the club but the Blues will almost definitely not be competing in Europe next term, when Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be at the helm.
The majority of players signed in the last two transfer windows, agreed to a clause whereby they would defer 30 per cent of their wage if they didn't qualify for the Champions League.
It does not apply to those signed under the previous regime, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling joined prior to the introduction of the policy and so the pair are exempt.
After a dire 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, Chelsea travel to league leaders Arsenal on Tuesday and look to end a wretched run of form under Lampard.
SPORTbible has contacted Chelsea for comment.
