Chelsea star could still leave, Romano warns

Robin Bairner

18 Sept 2024 14:10 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has said that Ben Chilwell could still depart Chelsea in the not-too-distant future.

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Chilwell was a member of the infamous ‘Bomb Squad’ that Enzo Maresca set up at Stamford Bridge of players destined to depart.

There were no takers for the former Leicester City star during the summer transfer window, and though he has been welcomed back into the main group of players by the manager, the message from Romano is clear: don’t expect him to stay there for long.

Writing for the Daily Briefing, the football transfer news expert explained: “Ben Chilwell is back with the Chelsea squad now for sure. Still, I don’t think he’s going to have a lot of space as Veiga and Cucurella remain main options at left-back, but he will fight for his place. For January, the expectation is still for Chilwell to look for a move somewhere else.”

Current ETV

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€14.4M - €24M

Romano on ‘special’ Estevao

Romano also discussed the case of in-form Estevao Willian at Palmeiras. The youngster has already signed with Chelsea, who believe they have signed a gem in the form of the 17-year-old Brazilian.

“He’s not just an ordinary player, or even a very good player with very good potential, Chelsea believe he’s something really special,” he said.

“This is why Chelsea invested important money in Estevao, who keeps on scoring and assisting for Palmeiras. This is good news for Chelsea ahead of his arrival, but it’s also good news for Palmeiras because they’re making money from it as part of their deal with Chelsea.

“Chelsea are happy to see Estevao playing well and developing, and now they wait to see him in London in 2025. They keep watching him and waiting for him, and they are very happy with the potential he’s showing, as well as his attitude.”

Romano had previously explained that Estevao’s stellar performances for Palmeiras are costing Chelsea a fortune.