Chelsea has several players whose contracts to lapse next summer and it is a recognizable area after the takeoffs of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
While much has changed at Chelsea in the last 12 months, there might be a natural feeling for many around Stamford Extension with the season now well underway. Thiago Silva specifically might be experiencing a sense of history repeating itself as winter approaches and he once again heads toward the final six months of his contract.
In 2021/22 he was joined in such a manner by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and was the only one who remained. It was an arrangement that turned out to be more important than anyone might have expected when he extended terms in January, with Chelsea unable to sign new players or agree to manage existing ones because of limitations put on the club following the Government sanctions put upon former owner Roman Abramovich.
Conversations over the fates of Rudiger and Christensen dominated the summer and press conferences through the season, with the expectation initially that arrangements should be possible, descending to the chance one could remain to both departings when Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover was finished.
The arrangements the Blues wanted to do during the season, just didn’t coordinate with what the players wanted, notwithstanding an expectation that their professions could continue at Stamford Scaffold. No player was signed with the premonition of the couple leaving and as consequence, the Blues were left frantically trying to sign defenders in the latest transfer window. Clubs and agents the same knew there was a necessity from Chelsea’s side, and Boehly, operating as an interim sporting chief, was quickly in an unenviable position.
The west London club managed to land two defenders in their position in the type of Wesley Fofana and Kalidkou Koulibaly for a combined £104 million. Impressive yet expensive additions, while the club additionally convinced Cesar Azpilicueta to extend his arrangement during a wild chance to ensure consistency in an administrative role.
Yet again silva drives a notable threesome who could leave the club next summer. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho play played significant parts during their time at Chelsea yet like their former partners, see their arrangements now have months remaining instead of years to run. It was a position Thomas Tuchel would have rather not seen rehashed in his time at the club, and Graham Potter is now set to face a portion of similar issues and questioning.
Outside factors no uncertainty had their impact, however, the season was at that point underway when negotiations began. Since then Reece James has signed a new contract and Mason Mount likewise appears to be on his approach to agreeing on a superior arrangement. Whether that is a consequence of where the Chelsea progressive system’s needs lie or because discussions are more worked with Kante and Jorginho, remains to be seen. Silva conceded that discussions over his future could begin either previously or after the World Cup, however, Potter seemed to recommend that any decision could be down to the Brazilian veteran.
With January and the opportunity to address different clubs approaching, Chelsea cannot bear to permit then the fate of Kante and Jorginho at the club to become someone else’s decision. Entering the final year of the couple’s contracts has proactively seen the club surrender a portion of that power.
Jorginho’s agent, Joao Santos, has recommended his client might want to remain at Stamford Scaffold. He said: “We are expected in June. We focus on Chelsea and we are moving towards it.”
Kante’s representatives have said less, yet the Frenchman’s injury issues have demonstrated an important reminder to any discussions set to happen over a new arrangement. Can he be a vital participant when accessible infrequently? Towards the end of 2021/22, Tuchel couldn’t conceal that was a wellspring of frustration.
Chelsea’s discontent in midfield can maybe be seen in late loan additions in every one of the past two seasons. Saul Niguez had an unimpressive tenure at Chelsea, and Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus – is yet to play a minute since his deadline day appearance.
Notwithstanding, it leaves a sense that even with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic in addition to Jorginho and Kante, there is uncertainty about whether the Blues have enough. The late offer for Edson Alvarez and the likelihood to return for him only reinforces the point.
The possibility of losing either coupled with the expectation of complimentary will be a wellspring of frustration however the new owners have shown dauntlessness to cut ties and take misfortunes when it is for the benefit of the group. Romelu Lukaku’s loan to Inter and Timo Werner’s return to RB Leipzig delineate that. Both were moves the previous order was unlikely to undertake.
Much will come down to whether any new signing in January or next summer is to complement or supplant what the team brings. That might be a weighty task, however, it is a consideration Chelsea’s recruitment group should make.
The right answer might be genuinely apparent once a decision has been made yet Chelsea must remain ahead of the situation and ensure that it remains one for them to make and not one they are constrained into.
