Everything changed in the space of 12 months.
Chelsea have once again become a real power in English football under the leadership of their new coach, Enzo Maresca, who continues to dismiss any idea of fighting for the title despite his good place in the Premier League standings at the end of the year.
The new manager has repeatedly insisted that Chelsea’s young team is not yet ready for such a high-pressure environment, but it’s up to you whether you believe him or not.
Nevertheless, Maresca’s squad still has some gaps, and the January transfer window is an opportunity to strengthen and move forward for the rest of the campaign.
Let’s take a look at Chelsea’s transfer list for January 2025.
With Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea have two of the fittest midfielders in world football. Behind them, Romeo Lavia also does an excellent job. However, the depth of the team leaves something to be desired.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arrived in the summer for €35 million, but he has mostly played a substitute role, playing most of his minutes in the Conference League and only rarely coming into the squad for Premier League matches. A departure seems likely, whether in January or summer.
Trusting three midfielders heading into a busy schedule and Conference League opponents who might need more than the reserves would be a major risk for Maresca. He might want to tap into the transfer market to find more reliable cover.
The objectives
It’s difficult to know where Chelsea are going. The Blues are unlikely to spend significant sums on midfielders, given the presence of Caicedo and Fernandez ahead of them, and they could continue to rely on youth rather than experience.
Dario Essugofrom Sporting CP, emerges as a potential target, while rumors indicate that Chelsea could be interested in Youssouf FofanaAC Milan, or Pablo Barriosfrom l’Atlético de Madrid.
Chelsea could consider the return of a player on loan. Andrey Santos is shining at Strasbourg and should perhaps be given the opportunity to finish the season in France, while Lesley Ugochukwu will almost certainly see her loan spell at Southampton come to an end unless new Saints manager Ivan Juric does not commit to increasing the number of his minutes of play.
Chelsea were not expected to need another attacking player, but their plans were upended by Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drug test. The Ukraine international has been provisionally suspended pending a full investigation which could lead to a ban of up to four years if found guilty.
Jadon Sancho still starts on the left side, and Chelsea theoretically have Joao Félix and Christopher Nkunku, but Maresca does not seem to trust either player in this role.
Youngster Tyrique George was recently promoted to the senior side, but there are questions over whether the 18-year-old is ready to be Sancho’s immediate replacement.
The objectives
Fans have already started dreaming of Nico Williamsfrom Athletic Bilbao, and rumors have also mentioned Leroy Sanéfrom Bayern Munich, who is nearing the end of his contract in Bavaria.
In reality, it is very unlikely that Chelsea will spend a lot of money, especially while waiting for the final outcome of the Mudryk case, but a loan could make sense.
The Mancunian Marcus Rashford could be available, but could only join Chelsea if the Blues make Sancho’s loan move permanent in January, as clubs are not allowed to have more than one player on loan from the same team. It is unclear whether Chelsea have any interest in pursuing what would be a costly deal.
Information indicating an interest in Karim Adeyemifrom Borussia Dortmund, are not fading and could make sense if the BVBd, as some have claimed, are looking to sell to raise cash.
Chelsea’s biggest business in January could be finalizing the final departures from Maresca’s squad.
The vice-captain Ben Chilwellalthough popular behind the scenes, only played 45 minutes and undoubtedly needs to leave, both for the sake of his career and to lighten Chelsea’s wage bill.
Carney Chukwuemeka should be lent rather than sold, while Cesare Casadei could be the subject of an offer, amid rumors of interest from Serie A. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu et Christopher Nkunku must all decide if they are happy as players on the team or if they want to look elsewhere.
FIND THE LATEST NEWS AROUND CHELSEA, TRANSFERS RUMORS AND THE LATEST NEWS
