{"id":1808,"date":"2026-08-21T18:08:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T18:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1808"},"modified":"2026-08-21T18:08:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T18:08:34","slug":"any-concerns-about-chelseas-pulling-power-are-over-after-beating-barcelona-to-new-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1808","title":{"rendered":"Any concerns about Chelsea’s pulling power are over after beating Barcelona to new signing"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Before Xabi Alonso\u2019s appointment, there was real doubt about Chelsea\u2019s pulling power. No Europe, 10th place, and no manager in place had fans questioning the calibre of players they could attract.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few months later, and that has all changed. Xabi Alonso<\/a> has been appointed, which has played a huge role in the players Chelsea<\/a> have managed to attract, with Morgan Rogers the main example as a signing.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea\u2019s academy will now be known as Cobham Next Gen, is this a worrying sign?<\/h3>\n

Just where is this ownership taking the club?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Beating Arsenal to Rogers\u2019 signature, regardless of what Chelsea or Arsenal were willing to pay, is a prime example of how Chelsea have not lost any pulling power. No European football? Absolutely no problem.<\/p>\n

But the latest bit of business Chelsea have now concluded has gone under the radar in terms of their pulling power. On Wednesday, Chelsea confirmed the arrival of teenager Alfie Osborne from Hearts.<\/p>\n

Chelsea sign Alfie Osborne despite teen\u2019s talks with Barcelona<\/h2>\n

Osborne, 18, has been strongly linked with Chelsea<\/a> throughout the summer after leaving Tynecastle on a free. A brave decision from the midfielder-turned-defender, who decided not to sign a new Hearts deal.<\/p>\n

The Scottish starlet failed to make a senior Hearts debut, but he captained Scotland\u2019s U19 side during the summer and was on the radar of many big clubs. However, Chelsea have secured Osborne\u2019s signature.<\/p>\n

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The Hearts Standard<\/a> reports just how big of a coup it is for Chelsea to have landed Osborne. They claim that the Blues will have to pay a compensation fee of around \u00a3400,000 to Hearts for the defender.<\/p>\n

But they also underline Chelsea\u2019s pulling power by explaining how Osborne actually held talks with La Liga giants Barcelona before choosing to join Chelsea. The Blues\u2019 pulling power remains very intact.<\/p>\n

Alfie Osborne\u2019s successes during 2025-26 season<\/h2>\n

Not only did he captain Scotland\u2019s U19 side in the summer, but it comes off the back of a brilliantly successful 2025-26 campaign. Osborne was regularly involved in first-team training with the Scottish side.<\/p>\n

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Is there anyone we are missing?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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He captained Hearts\u2019 U18 side to the Scottish Youth Cup, while also playing 28 times for Hearts\u2019 B-team. The second string currently play their football at senior level, in the fifth tier of Scottish football.<\/p>\n

Now, he joins Chelsea\u2019s U21 side and in a couple of years, don\u2019t be surprised to see Osborne breaking into Alonso\u2019s first team. If Barcelona were interested in him, then it is quite clear he is a real talent.<\/p>\n

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