“Ship them out” – Enzo Maresca & Chelsea to sell these four players in January
As the team attempts to hone its roster, Chelsea Football Club is gearing up for a big January transfer window. According to media site Teamtalk, several players may be shown the door.
It seems that the January window will be devoted to cutting the team and creating space for future reinforcements following a summer of major expenditure and strategic signings. Mykhailo Mudryk, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Ben Chilwell are a few players whose futures are unclear; they may all be planning to leave Stamford Bridge.
1) Mykhailo Mudryk: A Frustrating Journey Continues
When Mykhailo Mudryk arrived at Chelsea in January 2023 for a whopping £88.5 million, including add-ons, the expectation was that the Ukrainian winger would become a key player for the club. However, nearly a year later, things have not gone as planned for the 23-year-old. Mudryk has struggled to cement his place in the starting lineup, and under new manager Enzo Maresca, his future looks uncertain.
Despite his immense potential and the flashes of brilliance that made him a hot commodity across Europe, Mudryk has been unable to adjust to life in the Premier League. His inability to consistently perform has left him on the fringes of Chelsea’s squad. Sources close to the club have indicated that Chelsea are open to offloading Mudryk in January, with a loan move being the most likely scenario.
One potential destination for Mudryk is French side Olympique de Marseille, where manager Roberto De Zerbi is said to be an admirer of the winger. De Zerbi, who has previously worked with Mudryk during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, believes he can reignite the player’s form and unlock his true potential. A loan move to Marseille could give Mudryk the game time he craves and offer him the opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Additionally, clubs from the Premier League and other top European leagues have shown interest in Mudryk, although it is unlikely that Chelsea will recoup their initial investment. A successful loan spell could, however, help boost his market value and make him more attractive for a permanent transfer in the future.
2) Axel Disasi: Short-Lived Stamford Bridge Stint?
Another name that has surfaced in potential January exits is Axel Disasi, who joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in the summer of 2023 for a reported £38 million. Despite being highly regarded as a versatile defender capable of playing both at center-back and right-back, Disasi has not had the smoothest start to life in West London.
While Disasi has featured regularly for Chelsea, his performances have been inconsistent, raising questions about whether he is suited to the rigors of the Premier League. Enzo Maresca’s tactical preferences may also play a role in Disasi’s future, as the Italian manager looks to build a cohesive defensive unit.
There have been whispers of interest from several top clubs in Europe, including Serie A and La Liga teams, who are monitoring Disasi’s situation closely. Chelsea are not actively pushing for his departure, but if a suitable offer arrives in January, the club could be open to letting him go.
The French international remains an intriguing asset for teams looking to strengthen their defense. His ability to cover multiple positions and his experience in European competitions make him an attractive option, but it seems Chelsea may already be looking elsewhere for long-term defensive solutions.
3) Benoit Badiashile: Injuries and Competition
Benoit Badiashile’s time at Chelsea has been marred by injury setbacks and stiff competition for a place in the starting XI. Since joining from AS Monaco in January 2023, Badiashile has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the lineup, with injuries limiting his appearances and development.
Badiashile, who was viewed as a key part of Chelsea’s defensive rebuild, has found himself on the periphery of the squad, especially with the emergence of Levi Colwill. While Badiashile’s potential is undeniable, the club may look to cash in on him in January if they receive a reasonable offer.
There are clubs in France and Spain that have expressed interest in the young center-back, and a move could be beneficial for both Badiashile and Chelsea. The 22-year-old needs regular playing time to continue his development, and with the competition for places intensifying at Chelsea, a move away could provide the opportunity he needs.
For Chelsea, selling Badiashile could also help balance the books after a period of heavy spending. The club has already invested significantly in other areas of the squad, and offloading a promising but injury-prone player like Badiashile could free up funds for future acquisitions.
4) Ben Chilwell: A Potential Exit for the Left-Back
Ben Chilwell has been a solid performer for Chelsea since his arrival from Leicester City in 2020. However, injuries have disrupted his momentum, and the emergence of Marc Cucurella, has put his future in doubt.
Chilwell’s attacking prowess from the left-back position has been a valuable asset for Chelsea, but with the team’s tactical evolution under Maresca, there are questions about whether he fits into the long-term plans. Chilwell’s injury history is also a concern, and while he remains a highly regarded player, Chelsea could be willing to listen to offers in January.
There is no shortage of suitors for Chilwell, with clubs in the Premier League and abroad reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.
A move for Chilwell would represent a significant change for Chelsea, given his importance to the squad in recent seasons. However, with the club looking to refresh and reshape its squad, parting ways with the left-back could be a pragmatic decision.
Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy: Aiming for Balance
Chelsea’s transfer activity in recent windows has been marked by significant investment in new talent. The club has spent heavily on players like Moisés Caicedo, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson, all of whom have added quality to the squad. However, the challenge of balancing the books remains a priority for Chelsea, especially given the stringent Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
In the summer of 2024, Chelsea made notable sales, generating around £147 million from player departures. The likes of Conor Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku, and Ian Maatsen were among those who left, helping to offset the club’s expenditure on new signings. With more players potentially leaving in January, the club will be looking to ensure they remain compliant with FFP while also positioning themselves for future success.
The January transfer window represents an opportunity for Chelsea to further streamline their squad. While the focus will likely be on offloading fringe players like Mudryk, Disasi, Badiashile, and Chilwell, the club may also be keeping an eye on potential reinforcements. Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly be working hard behind the scenes to identify areas that need strengthening, particularly in defense and midfield.
What Does the Future Hold?
As Chelsea navigates the January transfer window, the club’s decisions will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike. The potential departures of Mudryk, Disasi, Badiashile, and Chilwell could significantly alter the dynamics of the squad, but they also present opportunities for the club to evolve.
For Mudryk, a loan move could be the fresh start he desperately needs to regain his confidence and form. Disasi and Badiashile, both talented defenders, may seek new challenges elsewhere, while Chilwell’s possible departure would mark the end of an era for one of Chelsea’s key players in recent seasons.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s January business will reflect the club’s ambition to remain competitive at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. As they continue to rebuild under Enzo Maresca, the decisions made in the upcoming transfer window could shape the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s potential January sales signal a strategic approach to squad management, balancing the need for Financial Fair Play compliance with the desire to remain competitive. Mykhailo Mudryk’s situation, in particular, highlights the challenges of adapting to the Premier League, while Disasi, Badiashile, and Chilwell may find new opportunities elsewhere. As always, Chelsea will be active in the market, both in terms of outgoings and possible new signings, as they look to solidify their place among Europe’s elite clubs.