What Chelsea players are out of contract?

FT Desk

• 22 Dec 2021 12:45 CST
• 3 min read

We are now just over a week away from the re-opening of the transfer window.

This means that not only will clubs be able to sign new players again for the month of January, they will also be able to present offers to those whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season.

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Chelsea are one of the most affected clubs in this regard, and run the real risk of losing a host of key players for nothing in June.

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So which Chelsea players are set to leave on a free transfer with their contracts expiring in June 2022?

Chelsea players available on a Bosman in 2022

There are six Chelsea players in total whose contracts run out at the end of the current season, while Saul Niguez’s loan deal from Atletico Madrid also expires in May and he is unlikely to stay permanently at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are at risk of being decimated in defence next season unless they can persuade some of their expiring stars to stay on.

Four of their regular first-team defenders see their deals run out at the end of the season.

The biggest name of all, arguably, is Antonio Rudiger. The German international was not a favourite under Frank Lampard but has developed into one of the best centre backs in the world under Thomas Tuchel.

He has yet to sign a new deal and is looking more and more likely to leave, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both very interested.

Cesar Azpilicueta would look like to remain and sign a multi-year contract but Chelsea’s policy is to only offer one-year contracts to players over 30.

At the age of 32, Azpilicueta wants more security and a move back to Spain with Barcelona is possible.

Thiago Silva is 37 but is showing no signs of ageing and could agree to stay on for one more year as he wants to remain at the top level for next season’s World Cup.

Andreas Christensen has really come to the fore under Tuchel and is also more likely than not to sign a new deal but has yet to agree terms and there is interest in him from abroad, including from AC Milan.

Charly Musonda Jr will be released, while Lewis Baker’s future is up in the air.