Tuchel a huge admirer of Sterling amid Chelsea's summer transfer plans
Cameron Smith
- 26 Apr 2022 19:40 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are expected to welcome several new signings this summer as Thomas Tuchel plans to rebuild his team in order to compete for the Premier League.
It has been confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will depart Stamford Bridge at the end of this season, along with Andreas Christensen. Those exits will leave Chelsea light in centre-back talent with Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr the only players in that position contracted for next year.
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Reece James has filled in at centre-back recently, providing Tuchel with another option.
Furthermore, central midfield has also been touted as a problem position. N'Golo Kante and Jorginho will both become free agents in 2023, so the pair may be moved on this summer in order to receive a transfer fee for them.
With Romelu Lukaku out of favour, the forward line may also been revitalised by new signings. So, Tuchel will be expecting a fairly large turnover to occur before next season.
Sterling involved in Chelsea's squad next year?
One man who could find himself involved in Chelsea's first-team squad in the 2022/23 campaign is Dujon Sterling.
The defender has spent the season on loan at Blackpool in the Championship after an impressive pre-season in 2021. Sterling featured as the right-centre-back away to AFC Bournemouth in a club friendly last July and caught the eye during his time on the pitch.
Similar to Reece James before him, Sterling headed out to the second tier on a season-long loan and has been a standout performer as Blackpool sit well clear of the relegation zone.
A strong defender with a nice turn of pace, he's making 3.0 tackles and interceptions this season and has been a reliable and eye-catching performer in a Blackpool side who have exceeded expectations.
Sterling still has inconsistencies in his game with his ability in possession not quite as impressive as his work off the ball.
With a pass accuracy of just 68.1% this season, which ranks 19th in the Blackpool squad, Sterling isn't yet a polished player with the ball at his feet; if he wants to return to Chelsea then improvement is needed in this department.
However, Goal have reported that Tuchel is a "known admirer" of the on-loan Blackpool right-back and could use him in pre-season once again. Chalobah was in a similar position last year, took his chance well and is now a solid member of Chelsea's first-team. A pathway has been created, and Sterling could be the next to walk it.
Sterling has returned to Cobham for treatment on an injury suffered at the start of April and has been told to "get ready for pre-season" by Chelsea, according to Goal.
There has reportedly been interest in Sterling from several English clubs, but Tuchel is prepared to give him a chance this summer with his defensive options limited at current.
