Chelsea set for major changes in the summer transfer window following the FIFA Club World Cup win
According to the Telegraph (Subscription Required), Chelsea could be facing a massive exodus at the end of the season, with several stars reported to be on their way out of the club in the summer transfer window.
The club did not see any new faces come in through the doors at Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer window last month, but could be in for a busy summer. The lack of any incoming signings in January could signal a massive change due for the club at the end of the season.
It is said that up to 12 players could be on their way out of the club, as manager Thomas Tuchel has been assured that the board will back him in the event of a massive summer rebuild for Chelsea. This will come as a boost for the German as he looks to turn the side into world-beaters.
Despite Tuchel leading the team to Champions League, Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup wins in the past year, the players that helped the head coach win these titles could be departing the club if the German has his way at the end of the season.
Massive summer exodus
It is no secret that senior defenders Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and skipper Cesar Azpiliceuta are into the final few months of their contracts at Chelsea. If things stay the same in the summer, the trio will leave the club as free agents and the Blues will have a massive gap to fill at the back.
It is also said that Chelsea will ‘listen to any offers‘ for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ross Barkley, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Ever since Tuchel’s arrival, the Spanish keeper has seen himself serve as deputy keeper in the squad, while the English midfielders have not been able to establish themselves in the first team due to the competition in the middle of the park.
There are also said to be ‘doubts over the futures‘ of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, and Hakim Ziyech. Many backed Pulisic to shine at Chelsea with Tuchel in charge, given that the pair worked together at Borussia Dortmund previously. However, the American has failed to live up to expectations, while Werner and Ziyech have been terribly inconsistent for the Blues during their time at the club.
Despite good intentions and efforts being seen from the players, they have not been able to translate it on the pitch in the form of goals and assists. Their poor form may also have contributed to Chelsea’s title charge fizzling out towards the end of last year, with the forwards failing to step up forward and deliver the goals for the team.
More Chelsea News
- Real Madrid are thought to be interested in signing Chelsea target and West ham United midfielder Declan Rice
- Chelsea could face a unique obstacle in their pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt
- Transfer News: Chelsea considering a move for Leeds United forward Raphinha
The Stamford Bridge side are also said to ‘think about the futures‘ of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Marcos Alonso, with their contracts set to expire in 2023. The senior stars are on the wrong side of 30, and the club will be looking for younger talents in the next few years to sustain their current winning run.
Despite Kante being hailed as a Chelsea legend, he has proved to be injury-prone in the last two years and has not been able to maintain a consistent run in the side. Kante aside, a lot of Chelsea favourites be shipped out in the coming months, and we will need to accept the change and see it as progress from the club’s side to keep us competitive and successful in the long term.