Stars' uncertain futures a headache for Pochettino as Blues target European spot

CHELSEA'S latest accounts have only added to the feeling of uncertainty around Stamford Bridge.

- Nizaar Kinsella

The club posted an operating loss of £249million in their financial results for 2022-23.

That figure is the highest in the Premier League and more than Leicester (£152m), who were relegated last season, Nottingham Forest (£145m) and tonight's opponents Everton (£115m), clubs who have been charged with breaches of Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Chelsea posted a pre-tax loss of £90.1m, following a pre-tax loss of £121.4m in 2021-22. Permitted losses under the rules must not exceed £105m over three years. Chelsea maintain they will remain compliant with PSR regulations, but a sobering set of accounts show they need to start selling players again and fast. They are under pressure to sell players before June 30 so the sales can be included in their financial accounts for 2023-24.

Player sales would help them balance the books after spending more than £1billion since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.