Thomas Tuchel's short, yet, successful Chelsea stint came to an end in September in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

His Blues departure was a shock as it became the first high profile managerial decision in the short time that Todd Boehly was at the helm. Graham Potter departed Brighton and was the German's successor.

In just over 18 months, Tuchel won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup as well as a picking up the Best Coach Award for his work at Stamford Bridge. His sacking came just one game shy of a century in charge of Chelsea.

Initially, he was tasked with succeeding South London legend Frank Lampard who did an impressive job despite taking charge in the midst of their two-window transfer embargo.

Lampard came out of the other side of the bansplashing out on the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.

But his exit in January prompted the arrival of Tuchel in February 2021. What happened to his signings?

Marcus Bettinelli - Free transfer

The veteran goalkeeper became Tuchel's first signing when he arrived on a free transfer from Fulham. Whilst the shot-stopper wasn't the marquee first signing most would envisage, he provided cover for Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga. 

However, in just under two years he has managed just one appearance for the Blues which came in the FA Cup against Chesterfield in the Third Round. 

Where is he now? Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku - £97.5m

The record-breaking return of Belgian Romelu Lukaku had the hallmarks of a fairytale return after the powerful striker left Stamford Bridge prematurely.

He had set the Premier League alight with eye-catching performances for West Ham and Everton which earned him a big-money move to Manchester United but his time at Old Trafford was ill-fated. As a result, he swapped the Theatre of Dreams for the San Siro.

His time with Inter Milan reignited his career as he became a feared forward once more under Antonio Conte. His prolific patch in front of goal and flourishing partnership with Lautaro Martinez fired Inter to their first Scudetto in nine years - ending Juventus' reign. 

The success in Italy prompted a £97m move back to Stamford Bridge and he started as he left off but his form soon nose-dived. He released a 'tell-all' interview with Sky Sports Italy and it seemingly cast a cloud over his second-spell.

He never quite kicked on and was loaned back to Inter Milan where his struggles have continued both at club level and international level as the 29-year-old couldn't steer Belgium out of the World Cup group stage in 2022. 

Where is he now? Inter Milan (on loan from Chelsea)

Saul Niguez - Loan

Tenacious Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez became the third arrival under Tuchel as he arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid. Chelsea snapped up the central midfielder after reported fierce competition from the likes of Liverpool.

In the early stages of his career in the Premier League, he struggled as he was hauled off during his first Blues appearance. Whilst he arrived during a successful time in South London, his time was underwhelming, managing just 23 appearances in all competitions.

He returned to the Spanish capital in the summer and has been reintegrated into Diego Simeone's side making 16 appearances in all competitions, 11 in La Liga - five of which were starts.

Where is he now? Atletico Madrid.

Raheem Sterling - £47.5m

Raheem Sterling's signing was one of the first signings in Chelsea's record-breaking summer window with as many as 10 new arrivals entering the fray at Stamford Bridge.

The Englishman could contribute years of Premier League-winning experience to the Blues but he endured a slow start which eventually added to Tuchel's misery as they picked up just three wins in their opening six Premier League matches.

Sterling has had a difficult start to his Chelsea career and has been used in different systems under Graham Potter.

Where is he now? Chelsea.

Kalidou Koulibaly - £34m

Kalidou Koulibaly made his much-anticipated arrival to the Premier League under Tuchel and the Senegal international has been one of the standout signings since his arrival. 

The experienced defender has contributed to previously resolute defence. However, in recent weeks leading up to the World Cup, the Blues have been leaking goals and won just one of their last five in all competitions.

Koulibaly enjoyed a positive World Cup and will be hoping his form can help turnaround Potter's fortunes.