Chelsea blocked from repeating transfer trick that allowed them to seal four summer deals

Chelsea wasted no time in getting to work in the transfer market over the summer.The Blues added 10 new players to their ranks as they looked to establish themselves as a force in the Premier League once again.

The west London side saw the likes of Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian officially arrive at Stamford Bridge, having agreed deals for both players before they turned 18, before the former moved on loan to sister club Strasbourg. Estevao, meanwhile, has impressed in his outings in Enzo Maresca's first team thus far.

Chelsea moved quickly when they were allowed to conduct more business however and were provided a unique opportunity to sign players early. Due to the Club World Cup, the tournament the Blues won, the transfer window opened in two parts.

READ MORE: Chelsea handed new Raheem Sterling problem as £25m statement made

READ MORE: Mathys Tel opens up on painful phone call from Thomas Frank after Tottenham decision

The first of those took place between June 1 and June 10 after FIFA granted member associations permission for 'an exceptional registration window'. That would permit new signings to be available for the start of the competition in the USA on June 16.

That period saw sporting directors Lawrence Stewart and Paul Winstanley get to work and got three incoming deals over the line. Darrio Essugo first arrived from Sporting CPhaving spent the season on loan in La Liga with Las Palmas, before the Blues triggered the £30million release clause of Liam Delap.

Chelsea beat competition from Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United to Delap's signature by convincing the forward to join their project from Ipswich Town. The England youth international had a promising debut season in the Premier League with the Tractor Boys last term.

Finally, the club squeezed in a deal for Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg before the window shut. All three players made the squad to compete in the Club World Cup.

Delap scored one goal and provided an assist as he made six appearances on the way to Chelsea's victory. Essugo made three appearances and Sarr made one group stage appearance.

The latter has since returned to Strasbourg on loan for the season as he looks to continue his development. Delap and Essugo meanwhile have been hit by injury.

The former suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham before the international break and is not expected to return to training until November. Portuguese youth international Essugo meanwhile has undergone surgery on his thigh.

That first transfer window did also allow one other deal. Marcus Bettinelli made a surprise exit to Manchester City as Chelsea waved goodbye to a dressing room favourite.

In 2026, the west London side will not be permitted to conduct such early activity. Instead they will be required to wait until the transfer window opens at a more regular time on June 15.