Chelsea still haven't replaced Eden Hazard, but that's the LEAST of their transfer concerns

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 14 May 2023 14:06 BST
• 4 min read

Eden Hazard was a footballing genius at Chelsea, and while his transfer to Real Madrid has gone disastrously, the Belgian is still sorely missed at Stamford Bridge.

His ability to drive the Blues up the pitch with his immense close control was a vital cog of the 2016/17 season, while his end product was often pivotal and perfectly-timed.

Since his departure in 2019, Chelsea haven't come close to replacing the silky Belgian, with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk so far failing to live up to Hazard's lofty heights.

READ: Lampard's use of Mudryk blasted as 'disgusting'

However, that is the least of Chelsea's concerns. The most pressing issue is that the Blues lack a spine.

For all the money spent by Todd Boehly since he replaced Roman Abramovich as the club's owner last year, Chelsea have failed to address their three main problems - which has been a major flaw in their transfer strategy.

Chelsea have not replaced three key players

Thibaut Courtois, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa formed part of the rock solid spine of Chelsea's last title-winning side, in 2016/17, but all three have not been effectively replaced since they departed.

READ: Thiago Silva responds to Fluminense talks amid uncertain Chelsea future

Matic left for Man Utd just weeks after winning the title under Antonio Conte, Costa soon followed him in departing six months later in the 2018 January transfer window, while Courtois exited under a cloud in August 2018.

Those trio of exits hampered Chelsea massively, and the club have not yet found adequate replacements. The Blues grinded out a Champions League victory in 2021, but they have not finished within 18 points of the eventual Premier League champion since they last won the league.

The lack of a consistent shot-stopper, a midfield enforcer and a reliable goal-scorer has plagued each season, and that will continue unless Boehly addresses these vital issues.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have both impressed on occasion since joining the club, but neither are reliable figures in between the sticks. Enzo Fernandez was signed for a British record €121 million in January, but he is far more in the mould of Cesc Fabregas than Matic and, much like the Spaniard, he needs a more active defensive presence next to him. And the issue up front remains a poignant one.

Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all been trialled through the middle since Costa left, but none have quite managed to reach his heights. In fact, Abraham was by far the closest to Costa’s goal-scoring record, but he was sold to Roma by Thomas Tuchel in 2021.

If Chelsea want to arrest their slide down the Premier League table, then signing a goalkeeper, a central midfielder and a striker are all absolutely essential this summer, but they must look for proven quality, rather than more inexperienced talents.

Thanks to their recent transfer policy, Chelsea’s squad is now full of youthful exuberance, but that must be balanced with more senior players who are capable of acting as leaders in the dressing room.

The Blues have appeared timid on multiple occasions this season and Mauricio Pochettino must change that when he arrives through the door at Stamford Bridge.

If not, more struggles could be on their way.