Chelsea have signed 16 players and staff from Brighton since BlueCo's takeover in 2022, spending close to £300 million in the process. The deals have produced mixed results, from the outstanding success of Moises Caicedo to the costly failure of Graham Potter's managerial appointment.
With Xabi Alonso's side preparing to face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, here is a look at how each transfer has worked out for Chelsea.
Defensive and Goalkeeping Deals
Zak Sturge - 2/10
Sturge, an 18-year-old left-back at the time, joined Chelsea in 2022 after his Brighton contract expired. Chelsea paid £3.2 million in compensation. He spent a season with the Under-21s before loans to Peterborough and Millwall, who signed him permanently in 2025 for an undisclosed fee. Given his limited senior experience, Chelsea are unlikely to have recovered much of their investment.
Marc Cucurella - 8/10
Cucurella took time to settle after his £56 million move in 2022 but eventually became the club's first-choice left-back, usurping Ben Chilwell. His versatility and attacking contribution made him valuable. He moved to Real Madrid this summer for £51 million, recouping a significant proportion of the original fee.
Robert Sanchez - 4/10
Sanchez joined for £25 million in 2023 and has spent much of his time as first-choice goalkeeper, but costly errors have been a defining feature. His latest mistake against Fulham has reportedly encouraged Chelsea to explore a move for Emi Martinez.
Midfield and Forward Signings
Moises Caicedo - 9.5/10
Caicedo's £115 million fee in 2023 is now rarely mentioned because his performances have made it irrelevant. The Ecuadorian has established himself as one of the world's premier midfielders, succeeding N'Golo Kante as Chelsea's defensive midfield powerhouse.
Joao Pedro - 8/10
The Brazilian arrived for £60 million in 2025 and scored three times in three matches as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup. He finished with 20 goals in all competitions, the first Chelsea striker to do so since Diego Costa in 2016/17. He has started the 2026/27 campaign well, scoring in the 3-2 win over Fulham.
Facundo Buonanotte - 3/10
Buonanotte joined on loan for £2 million in 2025 as cover for Cole Palmer but played just once in the Premier League before Brighton recalled him in January.
Danny Welbeck - N/A
The 35-year-old joined for £5 million this month as back-up to Joao Pedro, alongside 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. It is too early to judge the move.
Managerial and Recruitment Staff
Graham Potter (and staff) - 1/10
Chelsea paid £21.5 million to take Potter and five backroom staff from Brighton in 2022. The team finished 12th in the Premier League despite spending over £500 million on players. Potter was dismissed in April 2023.
Paul Winstanley - 5/10
Winstanley joined as head of recruitment in 2022 for a reported seven-figure fee. He became co-sporting director in 2023 and has overseen a youth-focused recruitment model. Successes include Cole Palmer and Caicedo, but there have also been expensive question marks.
Sam Jewell - 6/10
Jewell joined in 2024 for a compensation package worth over £500,000. As global recruitment director, he has brought in Estevao, Mike Penders and Geovany Quenda, but the club's recruitment record remains inconsistent.
Shumaira Mheuka - 6/10
Mheuka joined at 14 for £1 million, potentially rising to £4.25 million. Now 18, he made his debut in December 2024 and has featured nine times for the senior team, signing a new contract.
