If there is one thing Todd Boehly has shown at Chelsea, it's that he isn't afraid to spend money.
Not only did the American drop a cool £3billion on the club itself, he also promised to invest a further £1.5billion into its infrastructure.
When it comes to the transfer market, he certainly hasn't been shy. Chelsea spent more money than any club in Europe last summer, dropping around €279million on the likes of Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, and Raheem Sterling.
Unfortunately, that investment has yet to yield a return on the field of play. Not only did Boehly sack Thomas Tuchel soon after the transfer window shut, but the club have won only one of their last eight league fixtures under Graham Potter. They sit in 10th place in the Premier League.
As a result, it was not a surprise to see the club look to splash the cash again this month.
Fans question Todd Boehly after latest Chelsea contract
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a €120million move to Enzo Fernandez in recent days, although they have managed to get a few other deals over the line since the turn of the year.
That included the signing of Benoit Badiashile, with the centre back joining from Monaco for a €38million fee.
It seems like a good signing, but one of the more eye-catching aspects of the deal was the player being handed a contract until 2030.
Badiashile signs until June 2030* and says about Chelsea move: “I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club” 🔵🤝🏻 #CFC
“I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world”. pic.twitter.com/WwoeOwyvJc— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2023
A seven-and-a-half year deal is certainly a rarity in football and does not seem to make a huge amount of sense for the club involved.
Many felt that it was just the latest example of Toddy Boehly's struggles to adapt to the game, having previously only had experience in American sports.
Whats with Boehly’s contract negotiations as well? Sterling 6 year deal, Koulibaly 5 year deal both on 200-300k coming to the end of their careers and now a 7.5 yr contract for this Badiashille guy.
If any dont work out we’re stuck with them for a very long time, risky approach— ً (@farid17i) January 5, 2023
This has Boehly written all over it. 7 and a half years?? That's a third baseman contract. https://t.co/6Vsm4MVTN4
— AK (@AKalldayyy) January 5, 2023
7.5 years? Boehly coming up with random contract lengths now too. This man needs to be stopped https://t.co/78Nwz8XgX6
— Akki (@Akki_GG) January 5, 2023
7 year contract… wow. Boehly has no idea how to run a football club does he. This has long term bankruptcy written all over it https://t.co/ZLHhk4r61Z
— TheGolden49 (@TheGolden49) January 5, 2023
Todd Boehly is insane, how are you giving a 7 and a half year contract out to a new signing. That means his contract runs in summer 2030 🤣🤣🤣 A new Decade ffs
— GoonerExtra (@GoonerExtra) January 5, 2023
Another long term contract. Boehly is handing out these six and seven year contracts like they're lollipops. https://t.co/fHlK8u1ahH
— Hernandez (@OluwafemiH_) January 1, 2023
7.5 year contract. WTF is boehly doing man?
— 💼 (@cfckhalif) January 5, 2023
Seven and a half year contract… Boehly and co are the worst thing to happen to Chelsea and football overall https://t.co/0Ouo5laObt
— € (@its__uros) January 5, 2023
They gave him the ultra super max contract loooool Boehly is too funny https://t.co/eh3jawXc3g
— Yinkz (@Yinkz10) January 5, 2023
7.5 year contract for Badiashile seems curious other than from an amortisation perspective. There is the obvious downside risk but if he’s great, it’s not as if he’s locked up on relatively low wages forever. If he becomes a star you’d have to pay him like one.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) January 5, 2023
Badiashile signing a 7 year contract pic.twitter.com/u872UjauBn
— 🦅 (@Gideoomatic) January 5, 2023
The Badiashile contract is HOW LONG? They’ve fully lost the plot
— sohvi (@ferrarimuse) January 5, 2023
The length of the contract is certainly bizarre, although there are some financial benefits to it. Chelsea will be allowed to spread the cost of the transfer and wages across the full length of the deal on their books, potentially helping to ease any financial fair play concerns.
Of course, they also carry the risk of the player of hugely underperforming or getting a serious injury and being left with a huge financial commitment.
SEE ALSO: Chelsea Interest In Moises Caicedo Could Force Liverpool To Repeat Recent Transfer Trend
