Chelsea’s exciting attack under Xabi Alonso has been one of the early talking points of the 2026/27 Premier League season. But while the Blues have shown plenty of quality going forward, their defensive vulnerability and midfield imbalance have already raised serious questions.
And watching Mamadou Sangaré make an extraordinary start to life at Brentford makes one thing increasingly clear: Chelsea may have missed a golden opportunity in the summer transfer window.
Mamadou Sangaré Is Already Looking Like the Signing of the Summer
Brentford made a major statement by signing Mamadou Sangaré from Lens for a club-record fee reported at £39 million. The 24-year-old Mali international signed a five-year contract, with Brentford holding an option to extend it by another year.
Considering what Sangaré has produced in his opening Premier League games, that fee could eventually look like an absolute bargain.
The midfielder has immediately established himself as the heartbeat of Brentford’s midfield. He dictates the tempo, carries the ball through pressure, breaks up opposition attacks and gives his team the ability to control games from the centre of the pitch.
His influence was particularly obvious in Brentford’s opening two league matches. He registered an assist in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham while producing 27 defensive contributions, including 12 recoveries, six tackles and five interceptions. He also won 12 duels and created four chances.
Those numbers explain why he was already nominated for the August Premier League Player of the Month award alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
For a midfielder arriving in England for the first time, Sangaré’s immediate adaptation has been remarkable.
Chelsea’s Midfield Problems Make the Miss Even More Painful
The contrast with Chelsea is striking.
Alonso’s side have produced plenty of attacking football, but their defensive vulnerability has exposed how heavily they rely on Moisés Caicedo to provide balance in midfield. Caicedo missed Chelsea’s opening two league fixtures before returning against Brighton, only to suffer another setback after just 14 minutes.
The consequences were visible against Arsenal, where Chelsea struggled to maintain midfield control and eventually lost 2-1. Their problems were compounded by the departure of Enzo Fernández to Manchester City, leaving Alonso without a direct replacement for a player who had been an important part of Chelsea’s midfield structure.
The situation has since become even more obvious. Chelsea conceded twice against Hull City in a 2-2 draw, with Alonso admitting that his team still have important areas to improve if they are to compete properly in the Premier League.
This is precisely where Sangaré could have made a difference.
Sangaré Could Have Been Chelsea’s Missing Piece
Had Chelsea scouted the market more effectively, Sangaré could conceivably have been wearing blue rather than lining up for Brentford.
His skill set is almost tailor-made for the problems Alonso has encountered. He can protect the defence, win the ball, recover possession, progress play and help a team establish control in midfield.
More importantly, he could have given Chelsea greater security in the matches where Caicedo was unavailable.
Instead of relying on improvised midfield solutions, Alonso could have had another proven ball-winner and controller capable of operating at Premier League intensity.
And there was an even more exciting possibility.
Caicedo and Sangaré Could Have Been a Nightmare for the Premier League
Imagine a Chelsea midfield containing Moisés Caicedo and Mamadou Sangaré.
Both players are just 24 years old, meaning Chelsea could potentially have paired two elite young midfielders entering their prime years together.
Caicedo’s extraordinary defensive coverage and ball-winning ability alongside Sangaré’s ability to dictate play, recover possession and break opposition attacks could have created an incredibly difficult midfield partnership to play against.
Rather than simply replacing Enzo Fernández, Sangaré could have offered Chelsea something different: greater physicality, defensive security and control.
The pair could have complemented each other while developing together, potentially giving Alonso the midfield foundation required to challenge Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea May Have Missed Their Chance
Sangaré’s current trajectory suggests his £39 million price tag may not remain anywhere near his eventual market value.
If he continues performing at this level for Brentford, it would be no surprise to see a major Premier League club eventually make a huge offer for him within the next season or two.
Whether that club is Chelsea or another Premier League giant remains to be seen.
But if Chelsea eventually come calling, it will not change the reality: they had the opportunity to sign Mamadou Sangaré before his value exploded.
For Xabi Alonso, this could prove to be one of Chelsea’s biggest missed opportunities of the summer. They could have signed a 24-year-old midfielder capable of solving several of their biggest problems for what now looks like an absolute steal.
Sangaré could still become a superstar at Brentford. And if he does, Chelsea may look back at the summer of 2026 and wonder why they did not move first.