Deadline Day Delights

Good things come to those who wait. For Chelsea supporters, it was a wait into the last hours of the January transfer window. But Boehly, Eghbali, and the rest of Chelsea’s scouting and recruitment team secured their primary target, Enzo Fernández. The saga left us drained throughout the month, sweating on the day, oscillating between hopeful and defeated during the 12 plus hours of negotiations, nervous in the final minutes, and overjoyed when over 50K football fans heard these words stated on a YouTube livestream.

The club’s announcement included a special tribute to welcome our new Argentinian midfielder: a remix of La T and La M’s “Pa’ La Selección” specifically for Enzo. The translation for the lyrics are:

Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo, the Pride of London. We’re so happy you’re here.

Chelsea, ICYMI

• In a win-win-win move, Chelsea sold Jorginho to Arsenal with six months remaining in his deal. Despite the role he played in our Champions League victory, José words echo in my head: “When he decided to go to a direct competitor then love stories are over.”

• It wasn’t all good news on deadline day. Hakim Ziyech saw his loan deal to PSG fall apart with both the Parisians and Londoners having different views on why that was.

• Omari Hutchinson’s loan to West Brom collapsed when the club opted to sign Marc Albrighton on loan.

• Thiago Silva continues to the absolute best and looks likely to extend his current contract. We’ll have you and your family as long as you’re happy to be here, O Monstro.

• The Chelsea Women drew Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The match takes place on February 26.

• Chelsea’s academy got involved on deadline day, signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan from Southampton for £6M. Jim Fraser is going to be a very, very happy manager thanks to Morgan’s addition to the side.

• If you happen to be in New Orleans, LA this weekend, check out Carefree Louisiana’s Bluesday. It’s a free event taking place over the weekend for all Chelsea supporters in the area.

Upcoming Podcast Schedule

• Friday, February 3: It’s a new Tinkermen on the main feed, and a Chelsea Women’s transfer recap over on Blue Royalty.

• Saturday, February 4: It’s the Fulham match review on the main feed.

• Monday, February 5: Blue Royalty are back with a Spurs match review.

Why Not…

Look, I had to take the pen back from Nick. I’ve come down with an extremely aggressive, untreatable case of unbridled optimism, and I’m obligated to inform you about it. “Why Not Us?” season is back. After the reinforcements signed by Todd and Behdad, the return of our top players from injury, and the wide open state of the Champions League this season, I have to ask.

Why not us? Why not Chelsea?

There’s no perfect team left in the competition. Even though the books place Chelsea’s odds (+1400) behind six other teams, including Man City (+170) and Liverpool (+800), isn’t this where our beloved Blues typically feast? Amidst all the chaos and noise, our team is steeled and trophies are won.

OK, I’m done now. The flag has been planted ahead of Chelsea’s third Champions League victory. But before I bid you farewell until next time, here’s a few impeccable pop culture recommendations.

Watch: “The Last of Us” (HBO), “Tár” (Peacock)
Listen: ”The Smile (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 2022)” by The Smile (Apple Music, Spotify)

Keep the Blue Flag Flying High,

Dan