“Play well & stay” – Chelsea opens up on selling “phenomenal talent” if he fails to deliver
Ben Jacobs, who spoke with GIVEMESPORT exclusively, claims that if Carney Chukwuemeka is unable to convince the management of his place in the team, Chelsea will consider selling him in the summer of 2025.
Following a significant purge in the previous summer, in which players such as Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling, and Trevoh Chalobah left because they couldn’t fit into Enzo Maresca’s style of play, a number of players, including Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, and Chukwuemeka, are still unemployed for Chelsea.
Chukwuemeka has been given the opportunity to show himself and maybe win back his spot on the team, unlike Chilwell and Fofana.
Chukwuemeka, described as a “phenomenal talent” upon his arrival from Aston Villa in 2022, is not a significant financial burden for the club, given his relatively modest wages and a transfer fee of under £20 million. The club is open to allowing him to change their minds and climb up the pecking order. Nonetheless, Chelsea is considering the possibility of loaning him out to get more regular football elsewhere. If a loan cannot be arranged, they may look to sell him permanently in 2025.
Ben Jacobs explained: “Chelsea don’t look at Chukwuemeka as somebody that is a big outlay on the wage bill. Nor was he signed for a particularly large fee. It was a big fee, given his age and his profile at the time, but it’s under £20million all in, so Chelsea want to give the player the opportunity to maybe change their mind or move higher in the pecking order. That may come through a loan to get him more minutes, or if something can’t be facilitated, they’ll be open for a sale in 2025.”
Chukwuemeka made nine appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League last season, starting the first two matches under Mauricio Pochettino before an injury left him sidelined for much of the campaign. His future at Stamford Bridge now hangs in the balance, with the next season potentially being a pivotal one in determining whether he stays or leaves in 2025.
Chelsea supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if Chukwuemeka can make the most of this opportunity and secure his future with the club or if the Blues will decide to part ways with this young talent next summer.