Managing Chelsea as Osimhen and Man Utd stars sign with academy prospects cut
Ah, Chelsea, the club that continues to spend and baffle in equal measure.
The Blues have broken record after record when it comes to the transfer market since Todd Boehly’s arrival at Stamford Bridge. The American billionaire has done away with the services of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, while Mauricio Pochettino is the latest to take residence in the Chelsea hotseat.
The Argentine hasn’t quite managed the desired impact he was hoping for. The Blues languish in tenth and look highly likely to miss out on a European place once again.
With the January transfer window coming into view, the west Londoners now have another opportunity to shape the squad into Pochettino’s image (whatever that may be). But before that, Mirror Football has had a go first…
Bye bye blues
Chelsea’s huge spending habits saw an unfortunate consequence rear its head last season. Having welcomed an array of new faces, players were forced out of the dressing room due a lack of space.
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They don’t quite have the same problem this January but could still move a few players on. Academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah has fallen down the pecking order in West London and appears to have little future with the club. Bayern Munich were linked with him last summer so the Blues might be hoping they renew their interest.
On the topic of centre-backs struggling for minutes, another that must leave is Malang Sarr. The Frenchman has not played a single minute for the Blues since the 2021/22 campaign.
Trevoh Chalobah was linked with a move to Bayern Munich in the summer (Getty Images)Who do you think Chelsea should sign in January? Share your thoughts in the comments below
One final defender who could bid farewell is young left-back Ian Maatsen. The 21-year-old shone for Burnley last season and has finally broken into the first-team but is still being linked with an exit.
The theme of young players needing a fresh start could potentially continue with Noni Madueke. He has found opportunities hard to come by since arriving from PSV, with his winning goal against Crystal Palace potentially putting him in the shop window - although Pochettino may wish to keep him.
Sticking with young players, some could do with going out on loan for more experience. Ex-Santos striker Deivid Washington could be in line for a temporary period away from Stamford Bridge.
The same goes for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who has seen his options limited this term. There is also a dilemma over the immediate future over Andrey Santos, who is currently with Nottingham Forest.
He has played just seven minutes in the Premier League for the Reds so a recall could be in order, with the potential of sending him out on loan to another club.
Big moves
Chelsea are no strangers to spending big in the January transfer window and it should be the same this time around as they attempt to scramble together a respectable campaign at the very least. The most obvious position that needs bolstering is striker.
Donyell Malen could be a perfect January signing for Chelsea (Getty Images)The Blues have struggled for goals and have been linked to Victor Osimhen with the Nigerian appearing to be a natural fit. With Madueke sold, right-wing might also be a position that they want to strengthen.
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Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen could be an ideal candidate. The Dutchman looks likely to leave the German side and could be tempted to return to London following his previous stint with Arsenal.
Defence could be another position where they could bolster. Pochettino has been forced to put up with a number of injury issues. Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella have all struggled.
An audacious move for Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka would alleviate their issues at right-back. The Red Devils could be tempted to sell given his contract expires in the summer.
Alphonso Davies could be a bold shout to be drafted in at left-back. The Bayern Munich defender has just 18 months left on his current deal so the German side could be tempted to cash in.
Finally, another expiring deal that could come in handy is that of Wilfred Ndidi. While he has not hit the heights expected of him over recent seasons with Leicester, he is still a more than capable midfielder and would provide a talented backup to the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
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