How Chelsea will line up with Wesley Fofana

James Shearman

• Updated: 31 Aug 2022 13:57 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have completed the signing of Leicester defender Wesley Fofana, who has become one of the most expensive centre-backs in football history following a deal worth an estimated £70 million (€81m).

The Blues could wind up paying as much as £80m for the player, who has signed a seven-year deal with the Stamford Bridge club, effectively committing his peak years to Chelsea.

It is a massive move for all involved, and one that Thomas Tuchel hopes will offer some support to a defence that has not been in peak form since an enforced restructuring in the summer.

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Chelsea have been on the lookout for new defensive talent throughout this window, after losing both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers following the end of the 2021-22 season.

Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly was signed early in the summer, but efforts to add a further new face proved rather more difficult for the Blues.

Their stated first choice Jules Kounde slipped through their fingers after choosing to stay in La Liga with Barcelona, which prompted the Londoners to turn their attentions towards Fofana.

Chelsea with Wesley Fofana

Chelsea should retain their trusted 5-2-3 formation, used frequently by Tuchel since he took over the side back in January 2021.

Edouard Mendy will continue in goal; he has no real competition from Kepa Arrizabalaga or Marcus Bettinelli.

The back line will see the biggest changes as Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana come in, replacing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Thiago Silva will retain his place in the middle of the back three, hoping to remain at the top of his game at 37 years of age.

The left wing-back could be Marc Cucurella, who joined in a £62 million deal from Brighton. Ben Chilwell would be unlucky to miss out.

On the right, Reece James, who was excellent in the last campaign, will keep his place.

In midfield, the duo of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante could be preferred, with Jorginho and Conor Gallagher ready to step up when needed.

Up front, new signing Sterling will take his place on the left, hoping to provide the same attacking threat he displayed consistently at Manchester City.

He’ll be supported by Mason Mount on the right side with Havertz up top, until Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or any other forward signs.