Three ideal replacements for Barcelona-bound Azpilicueta

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 8 min read

Chelsea may have recently been crowned the World Club Cup champions but Thomas Tuchel will already be sweating over the future of his team come the end of the season.

A number of key players are out of contract at the Stamford Bridge side come the summer off-season and it seems as though some of them may actually end up moving on to other clubs.

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According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta has been offered a two-year deal by Barcelona and in light of no further negotiations between the defender and his current club, it seems likely that he could move on next season.

Considering the fact that Azpilicueta is set to turn 33 in August and has already been dislodged from his starting role in Tuchel’s side by Reece James, now may be a good time for the talented defender to move on to a new adventure and for Chelsea to finally bring in a long-term replacement.

Sergino Dest - Barcelona

Perhaps the most obtainable replacement for Azpilicueta this summer is none other than Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest. Despite making the move to the Spanish giants in 2020 for €21 million, the defender hasn’t quite lived up the billing and could reportedly be sold this summer.

If Chelsea are looking for a young defender with bags of potential that wouldn’t mind playing back up to James, then Dest may be the perfect quick-fix for the club this summer. And despite being valued at €49 million, he’d likely go for much less in the coming transfer window.

Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig

Another young defender that Chelsea should consider as a back-up to James next season is RB Leipzig talent Tyler Adams.

The United States international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now and that’s in no small part due to his performances for the Bundesliga side.

As well as being an accomplished right-back, Adams can also play as a wing-back, central midfielder and even as a central defender if called upon. Which would certainly make him a useful player to have in Tuchel’s squad.

Jeremie Frimpong

If Tuchel is keen on sticking with his 3-4-3 formation and the use of wing-backs next season then the club may wish to take a closer look at Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Although the Dutch talent isn’t renowned for his defensive attributes, Frimpong has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga due to his remarkable speed and technical ability on the ball.

Since making the move from Celtic last year, Frimpong has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising wing-backs and would provide fantastic competition for James on the right flank.