3 players Chelsea could sell in January to help fund Tuchel’s next transfer move
Finally, The January transfer window is open and everyone wants to know who Chelsea will buy and sell.
However, with Thomas Tuchel missing some key players it could be the perfect time to cash in on those not seeing much game time in a bid to raise funds and help strengthen other areas of the squad.
I always think it’s unlikely that the club will buy anyone in the mid-season window but with what’s happened over the last few months with injuries and poor form, this could be the perfect chance for Marina Granovskaia to help steady the ship before it’s too late.
With Ben Chilwell now joined by Reece James on the injury table and both looking likely to be sidelined for a while, the transfer window may have come at the perfect time for Chelsea.
Tricky fixtures against title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are on the horizon as well as three matches against London rivals Tottenham, so the next month could be crucial. Here’s who we think the club could look to cut ties with this January…
Ross Barkley: Although Ross Barkley has come into the side at times and added a bit of spark, it’s no shock that he’s now back on the fringes of first-team action with players returning from injury.
It was noticeable that he didn’t even play the full match in a much-rotated side against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Barkley made the switch to Chelsea in January 2018 and has struggled to find form.
In pre-season, Barkley had his number eight shirt taken from him and given to Mateo Kovacic, adding more fuel to the rumour his days at the club were numbered.
With 18 months left on his deal and Chelsea perhaps unlikely to offer him a new contract, it makes sense to sell him in January while we can still command a decent price for him.
Hakim Ziyech: Although this isn’t a hugely pressing issue for Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech needs to find a new club for the sake of his career.
Every time Ziyech hits a bit of form we see him pick up another injury and another player take his spot. Chelsea are spoilt for choice in attacking areas with Kai Haverz and Timo Werner still to come back into the side.
The fact that Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all younger than the Moroccan and seem to be given more opportunities makes it feel like Ziyech’s time at Stamford Bridge may be over.
Ziyech is now out of favour with his national team after falling out with the manager, and a change of scenery at a club whose system suits his style of play could be just what he needs.
When Ziyech signed for the club he was the player I was most looking forward to seeing in a Chelsea shirt, but sadly the move hasn’t worked out and time’s not on his side.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Although it pains me to say it as a huge admirer of Ruben Loftus-Cheeks for many years, is it for the best that he leaves in search of regular football instead of having to deal with occasional cameo appearances?
The club’s signing of Saul Niguez in the summer dramatically reduced his chances and if Saul had done better in his early appearances we might never have seen Loftus-Cheek in the side again.
Tuchel has a lot of quality players currently out on loan like Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, and it’s difficult to see Loftus-Cheek getting a look in once they’ve returned.
Chelsea have been linked to the likes of Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouaméni recently and it feels like only a matter of time until another midfielder comes through the door.
Jose Mourinho, the man who gave Loftus-Cheek his Chelsea debut, is reportedly interested in signing him and so he won’t be lacking options if he decides to move away from Stamford Bridge.
I’ll be sad to see him leave but he’s waited too many years to be given his chance in the side and the last thing he needs is another season of kicking his heels on the bench.