carl
Chelsea have had a hectic start to the transfer window, yet the major upgrades to Enzo Maresca’s squad are still awaited. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains the standout incoming player so far, but more signings are expected to follow.
The club has been actively reshaping the team for their new manager, but the result has been a bloated squad that Maresca must manage during pre-season. With more players expected to join the squad in America, it’s a crucial period for the manager.
Navigating the Pre-Season and Transfer Window Challenges
With five weeks left in the summer transfer window and only three weeks before the Premier League season kicks off against Manchester City at home, Maresca faces the task of narrowing down his options while assessing new additions to his squad.
Here, we examine what Chelsea’s 25-man squad could look like once registrations are confirmed. Considering the rules of no more than 17 non-homegrown players and an unlimited number of under-21s on top of the core 25, Chelsea has numerous options.
Not only do they possess academy graduates who have matured into first-team players, but many of their recruits qualify for under-21 status due to their birthdates after January 1, 2003. The definition of a homegrown player doesn’t solely rely on Chelsea academy players; it includes those who have spent at least three years at an FA-registered club before the age of 21.
Goal changes were anticipated at Chelsea, and Filip Jorgensen appears to be the club’s preferred ball-playing No.1. The only barrier now is the price tag, which separates Maresca from securing his ideal goalkeeper, potentially affecting the squad dynamics. Djrodje Petrovic, sidelined from the initial USA travelling group due to injury, faces an uncertain future.
The most likely candidate to leave permanently is the Serbian goalkeeper, who signed for £14 million just a year ago. Jorgensen is expected to compete with Robert Sanchez for the first-choice position, while Marcus Bettinelli will serve as the homegrown backup, providing valuable support.
Chelsea have several other goalkeepers to find placements for, such as Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach, who might benefit from loans or time with the development squad. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga remains on the roster. The club plans to sell him this year, but his high wages are proving to be a stumbling block. Maresca doesn’t envision a role for the Spaniard in his plans.
Most of the anticipated changes in defence have already taken place. With Thiago Silva’s departure, Tosin Adarabioyo has effectively replaced him, joining on a free transfer from Fulham.
The return of Wesley Fofana might feel like a new signing for Chelsea after his extended absence last season. Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile aim to maintain their fitness after injury setbacks, as does captain Reece James. Ben Chilwell remains a potential departure if a suitable offer comes in, though he serves as a key senior figure and one of the two senior left-backs alongside Marc Cucurella, who has yet to rejoin the squad following Euro 2024.
The significant decision regarding Trevoh Chalobah looms large. Excluded from the pre-season tour squad, Chelsea is exploring options to sell him for pure profit. Chalobah’s position was threatened upon Adarabioyo’s arrival, posing a significant challenge for him to break into Maresca’s considerations. Despite Chelsea’s ample defensive coverage, Chalobah is likely to exit this summer.
Another question surrounds Renato Veiga. Signed from Benfica, he offers versatility as a left-back and midfielder but faces tough competition. He’ll need to use the upcoming weeks in America to demonstrate his value, or he could be headed for a loan.
Luckily, Veiga qualifies as an under-21 player, exempting him from the 25-man registration. Josh Acheampong is also looking to get more senior football experience this season.
New signing Caleb Wiley is expected to join RC Strasbourg on loan after concluding his duties with Team USA at the Olympics. Alfie Gilchrist is also likely to leave for more first-team experience next season, training with the academy while finalizing a move.
In midfield, changes appear largely settled. Carney Chukwuemeka’s return to fitness will be akin to a new acquisition after missing much of last season, while Enzo Fernandez played through injury during the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign.
Conor Gallagher’s situation seems increasingly stable as Chelsea’s price demand deters potential suitors. A new contract could be in the offing if he remains at Stamford Bridge beyond the next month. Moises Caicedo aims to build on a promising first year in London.
Dewsbury-Hall faces the challenge of displacing Chukwuemeka and Gallagher amid fierce competition. Five central players should suffice, considering Maresca’s tactical use of full-backs in midfield, likely leading to Cesare Casadei, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Omari Kellyman seeking loans.
Andrey Santos is also set to depart for another season, even after being selected for the pre-season tour. Unless there’s a sale among the existing midfielders, Chelsea is unlikely to pursue additional senior midfielders.
Chelsea boasts depth in the attacking department. Although there have been murmurs about interest in Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling from clubs worldwide, no tangible developments have materialized, making significant outgoings in the frontline unlikely.
Armando Broja is expected to leave, either on loan or permanently, while David Datro Fofana, Angelo Gabriel, and Deivid Washington could also find themselves seeking exits. Tyrique George might benefit from this scenario.
George, an under-21 player, doesn’t require registration in the 25-man squad, giving him the chance to shine during pre-season. He capitalized on the opportunity against Wrexham, delivering a composed first-half performance. Chelsea is still searching for additional wingers and strikers, but no affordable options have emerged.
Targeting Key Transfers
Benjamin Sesko discussed his decision to extend his RB Leipzig contract before Euro 2024, despite interest from the Premier League. Sesko scored in seven consecutive Bundesliga games, drawing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Ultimately, he chose to remain at Leipzig for more experience and growth.
While Sesko’s contract extension is long-term, a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Leipzig facilitates a potential transfer in 2025. The Bundesliga club matched Premier League wage offers, but they see themselves as a stepping stone for Sesko’s future goals.
Viktor Gyokeres remains available but was distanced from Chelsea earlier this year. Nico Williams is a target, but the cost of acquiring him remains high, with interest from other teams.
Samu Omorodion is a raw talent Chelsea might pursue if Atletico Madrid doesn’t secure his long-term commitment. Marc Guiu, along with Veiga and Kellyman, will aim to impress Maresca after joining from Barcelona earlier this month.
The current roster doesn’t fill the 25-man quota, but with numerous under-21 options, Chelsea have ample depth. With commitments in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup next summer, Maresca will need a diverse squad to navigate a challenging season.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s transfer window has been active but filled with challenges. Enzo Maresca’s squad has been bolstered with some promising signings, yet there remains work to be done. As the season approaches, balancing the squad’s composition and addressing potential departures will be crucial for achieving success in the coming campaign.
