Darren — Ultimate European Challenge, Chelsea’s expensive pre-season 18/19

Hey guys and welcome to my Ultimate European Challenge. Some of you may not know what this is, for those who don’t please check the Ultimate European Challenge rules. Basically I started this save unemployed and have to win both the title and major domestic cup within five countries, England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. I also have to win the Champions League twice with any club. I created this challenge a while ago as an alternative to the usual saves. If you would like to catch up, all my posts are accessible from the Ultimate European Challenge story.

UEC career

2011-2012: Hamburg SV (Germany)

2012-2014: AC Milan (Italy)

2014-2016: At. Madrid (Spain)

2016-present: Chelsea (England)

2014-present: Argentina (International)

UEC honours

Bundesliga title — 2012

German Cup — 2012

Serie A title — 2013 & 2014

Italian Cup — 2013 & 2014

La Liga title — 2015 & 2016

Spanish Cup — 2015 & 2016

English FA Cup — 2018

European Champions League — 2014 & 2016

Copa America — 2015

Confederations Cup — 2017

World Cup — 2018

Anyway, back to the story and during my last post you saw Argentina lift the World Cup. An amazing achievement, but I was left considering International retirement. A decision has not yet been reached, but for now my focus returns to London and Chelsea. This is my second season at Stamford Bridge, after coming in late during 2017/18, I revived the London club to a third place finish. We also won the FA Cup. This seasons goal is to win the league title, that will be tough because  Man Utd and Man City have incredible players. Hopefully a big transfer budget will help me reinstate Chelsea to their former glory.

Well that certainly is a good transfer budget and one I intend on stretching. With £450K extra for wages I could lower this to increase my transfer money up to around £80 million. Essien and Cech are leaving on a free transfer, this will also free up an extra £200K plus for wages.

Transfers out

A total of 13 players were offloaded, all either too old or surplus to requirements. Not only did I raise a reasonable £16 million for the kitty, but around £400K a week wages were freed up. This just shows how badly the previous managers had done. Over time they acquired junk for an extortionate price and I’m left to drop the debris.

Transfers in

After offloading so many players on big wages, I cashed in on my transfer budget. In fact I still have another £22 million left over. A total of £82 million has been spent so far, a lot I know, but we have some catching up to do. The big teams are way better and stronger than my Chelsea. Or should I say they were, after these signings the scales are officially balancing out. Lets take a look at my new stars in more detail.

Phil Jones (centre back)

One of my favourite defenders on FM. Phil Jones was bought by Man City from Blackburn and became as solid as a rock. I decided to spend so much on him as a great centre back is required and we lack pace.

Marcos (central midfielder)

This regen was available for £19.75 million because of a minimum fee release clause. Juventus were daft to offer him that and I took advantage. Marcos is very versatile and can play in many different roles within the CM position. At the age of 23 there is also room for improvement.

Marcelo (right winger)

With McGeady ageing and Weiss my only other cover on the right wing, reinforcements were needed. I found marcelo at Sampdoria, a hefty fee of £34.5 million was required. Hopefully the 23 year old will be worth it, his attributes seem to suggest so.

German Romero (central midfielder)

Romero is one youngster in my Argentina shortlist. I have been watching the central midfielder and have scouts reporting him as a quality signing. The small fee of £5.75 million, makes this Argentine a great buy in my opinion.

Below you can see my entire first team. Every position is well manned, and needs to be considering the hectic schedule created by Champions League football. Petrovic and Godwin were acquired last season and should be the key players for me again. While my new signings will add pace and strength in depth.

The next post will take us up to the end of November. Enough time for the league to take shape and me to see what I am challenging for. With matches away from home to both the red and blue half of Manchester, my squad will be challenged from the start.

Well that is the end of my update, I hope you enjoyed it. Please feel free to comment below and I look forward to hearing from you as always. Thanks for reading guys.