Chelsea Transfers: Grading the Blues' Offseason Moves so Far

Chelsea have been very active in the transfer window so far.

Some moves were locked up beforehand, but July was a busy month for the Blues. A few players were brought in, a few were sold and some others were loaned out. It was an efficient month for the club, and the roster is coming together with the season right around the corner.

Given that the first month of the transfer window has passed, I've decided to grade the transfers that Chelsea have made so far. Furthermore, after taking a quick look at the loans, it'll be more clear how the Blues are preparing for the future.

For the transfers, it was quite a successful month for Chelsea.

Eden Hazard from Lille: A

Eden Hazard was a spectacular transfer.

Chelsea brought in the Belgian starlet for £32 million, which is a very reasonable price considering his skill set. Hazard is quick, sharp with his control and persistent in his attacks. Once he gets stronger with the ball, he will be one of the best midfielders in the world.

Hazard is still only 21 years old, so he has a lot of improving left to do.

Marko Marin from Werder Bremen: B+

Marko Marin has been very impressive so far this preseason.

The 23-year-old German international is quick on the wing, and he is very direct in his attack. I wasn't sure what to expect from him right away, but he had the most impressive United States trip out of anybody. For only £7 million, Marin could be Chelsea's biggest transfer steal ever.

Chelsea have desperately lacked width for awhile now, but Marin could be the answer on the outside, especially with Ashley Cole supporting him.

Marin was brought in for the future, but he could contribute right away, which would be immense for Chelsea.

Didier Drogba to Shanghai Shenhua: B+

As sad as it was to see Didier Drogba leave, it was the right move for the club.

He had accomplished everything at Chelsea, and he was ready to move on. Similarly, the Blues are trying to change their identity, and Drogba simply wouldn't fit.

I wanted to see Drogba retire at Chelsea, but it's better that he went out on top.

Salomon Kalou to Lille: B

This transfer couldn't mean less to me.

On paper, Salomon Kalou had a decent run at Chelsea. However, watching him play was one of the most infuriating things to do as a fan.

He just wasn't in sync with anyone else on the pitch, and he didn't seem to notice. If not for his spider haircut in the Champions League Final, Kalou wouldn't have done much of anything last season. Considering he wouldn't have played at all this year, it's better for everyone that he's gone.

Thorgan Hazard from Lens: B+

Thorgan Hazard may not bring much to the club right away, but he's a smart transfer for the future.

He has plenty of raw talent, and he could be a star someday. More importantly, though, if he stays at Chelsea, his brother might want to do the same. The longer the Blues hold onto Eden Hazard, the better. Keeping him happy is paramount, and he seems excited to play with his brother.

If Thorgan turns out to be just as talented, all the better.

Oscar from Internacional: A-

Oscar is one of the best young South American talents.

He is creative with his passing, and he facilitates as well as any 20-year-old in the world. He has played very well in the Olympics, and he has shown that he can play in a reserved attacking role very well.

Still, you can never be sure with youngsters coming out of South America and going to England. It's a culture shock both on and off the field. Some guys can handle it (Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez), and other guys can't (Robinho, Diego Forlan).

If Oscar fulfills his potential at Chelsea, the club will have one of the best midfields in the world.

Loans: C+

So far, Chelsea haven't done a very good job with the loans.

Obviously, there is time left, but certainly players need to go out.

Josh McEachran had a decent time at Swansea City last year, but he needs more playing time, which he won't get at Chelsea. Romelu Lukaku is the same way, and even if he only goes out for half of a season, it's necessary.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne wants to leave Chelsea for the season. The kid is smart enough to realize that he can't play full-time in the Premier League yet, so he wants to get regular time with a solid team in another league.

If Chelsea loan those three out, it will be a good window. Otherwise, it's just a waste of young talent.

Overall: A-

For the first time in awhile, all the moves in the transfer window have made sense.

Chelsea are buying players that all fit together into a nice puzzle—not just some guys that would make the team better on FIFA. There seems to be a plan in place, and that's the best way to sustain success: have a plan.

Chelsea are getting younger and younger. Yet, they seem to be getting more and more skilled. Once the team puts it all together, they will be fun to watch and nightmarish to play.

July was very good to Chelsea. Let's hope August is just as kind.