The five Chelsea players who could leave in January
Cameron Smith
- 4 Jan 2022 20:45 GMT
- 5 min read
Chelsea undoubtedly have one of the largest squads in all of European football but even this club has struggled to make ends meet this season.
Niggling injuries to the likes of N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku and Mateo Kovacic have played havoc with Thomas Tuchel’s squad, while a long-term injury to Ben Chilwell may force the club to make new signings in January.
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Indeed, the extent of the club’s abstenees has forced the Chelsea manager to call upon the likes of Ross Barkley and Reece James in recent games. Their depth might be impressive, but it can't deal with that many injury casualties.
However, injuries are temporary and while Tuchel may prefer to have extra cover in all positions, it’s more than likely that the London club will look to sell on a number of back-up players in this month’s transfer window.
But, which players could feasibly leave Chelsea in January?
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Now, this is a slightly far-fetched shout given the fact that Kepa is arguably one of the world's best number two goalkeepers, and Edouard Mendy will leave Chelsea at the beginning of the year to participate in the African Cup of Nations. So, the Spaniard will be needed in the early weeks of January, but there's a chance that in the final few days of the window he pushes for a move.
Kepa has played just once in the Premier League this season, and has made only five appearances in all competitions this term, which includes his last minute substitution in the Super Cup final.
Lazio, managed by Maurizio Sarri who was the man who brought Kepa to Chelsea, are reportedly interested in the player, and if Kepa wants a move then the Blues are unlikely to block his path.
However, Tuchel has recently praised his back-up goalkeeper, and he will be crucial in Mendy's absence. This one could go either way.
Malang Sarr
Unlike Kepa, this seems far more clear-cut. Malang Sarr has played just four times in his Chelsea career, and with competition for places high at the back, he doesn't appear likely to get much of a look-in.
Torino and Milan have expressed interest, so Sarr could be heading for Italy in search of first-team minutes. The only potential problem is the current contract situations of Chelsea centre-backs. Thiago Silva is set to sign a one-year renewal, but Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta all haven't agreed a new deal. That leaves Chelsea extremely thin at the back if agreements can't be struck, so Sarr may have to stay.
It all depends on how well Chelsea can negotiate with their current stars.
Saul Niguez
This move simply hasn't worked out. Saul Niguez arrived at Stamford Bridge off the back of a fairly mediocre personal season, despite Atletico Madrid winning the league title in Spain. But, he had previously been known as one of Europe's elite central midfielders, so big things were expected.
However, he hasn't delivered on that promise, and his debut against Aston Villa set the tone. Saul was dispossessed far too often, and he looked slow and sluggish on the ball - clearly not adjusted to the pace of the English game.
Months on, and things haven't improved.
It appears this loan move could be ended early, and Saul may return to Spain as a disappointing piece of business.
Ross Barkley
Now, Ross Barkley started against Zenit, which tells you all you need to know. Left in the cold last year, and loaned to Aston Villa, he was surprisingly kept in the fold this term, but as a back-up option. He's still managed to make the odd appearance, but game time has been fleeting.
The injuries in central midfield has forced Barkley into Tuchel's thinking, but with Kovacic returning to training once his period of self-isolation ends, and Jorginho and Kante still on the mend from injuries, he may not be needed come January.
If that is the case, then Barkley could be sold in order to raise some funds. He may not warrant a huge fee, but the former Everton man is still a talented player, and would do a job for someone in the Premier League.
But not for Chelsea.
Hakim Ziyech
Perhaps the most rogue of the list, Hakim Ziyech doesn't seem likely to leave Chelsea this winter, but stranger things have happened.
Still yet to establish himself as a first choice option over 12 months into his Blues career, Ziyech's up and down form hasn't helped his case, and with Conor Gallagher impressing on loan at Crystal Palace, he may well be sacrificed. Of course, they are very different players, but Tuchel may choose to deploy Gallagher further forward in order to utilise his immense pressing capabilities. If that is the case, then Ziyech may make way.
Although an exit in the summer seems more feasible, Chelsea may try to find some cash to sign a Chilwell replacement, and perhaps a short-term central midfield option, rather than keep Ziyech come January.
