How Chelsea’s defence will line up next season after Abramovich sanctions

Robin Bairner

10 Mar 2022 12:28 GMT
3 min read

Thiago Silva for Chelsea, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans have been thrown into turmoil by the UK government’s decision to sanction owner Roman Abramovich.

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The ruling will have far-reaching consequences for the Stamford Bridge side. Not only can fans no longer watch games in the stadium unless they are a season ticket holder, but the club cannot sell official merchandise.

While these are issues that will bite in the short-term, looking ahead only a matter of weeks, the first-team squad will start to feel the pinch.

Chelsea, as things stand, have a limited number of things they can spend money on – and renewing contracts of players is not one of those.

The Blues have three central defenders whose contracts are running down: Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.

With Chelsea also no longer allowed to complete transfers as things stand, it means the defence they start next season with could look especially threadbare.

Thiago Silva to be key

The centrepiece of the new-look rearguard will be Thiago Silva, who will turn 38 in September. Chelsea will be thankful that they persuaded the Brazilian to sign a contract extension with the club a matter of weeks ago, as he will provide valuable experience and quality in that area.

Beyond the Brazil international, Chelsea will call upon Trevoh Chalobah in the back three. The 22-year-old has proven himself a capable deputy this term but will have a far greater role to play next season. It could be the making of the young Englishman.

Finally, Malang Sarr will have the final spot in the starting back three. The Frenchman has been on the periphery of the things at Chelsea since arriving on a free transfer from Nice and is not a player of Premier League standard.

Reece James could potentially fill in as an auxiliary centre-back but is required in the right wing-back position, while Ben Chilwell will, all being well, be back to play on the left.

Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, will keep goal.

Although Chelsea have strength elsewhere in their side, the centre of defence is set to be a major concern.