Chelsea set for 20 major decisions that could see Graham Potter’s squad overhauled
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have taken charge of the club and established a new Blues hierarchy to shape the club’s future direction. As part of this effort, they have hired Lawrence Stewart, Joe Shields, Paul Winstanley, and Christopher Vivell, and have invested £600 million in playing staff.
A noteworthy aspect of this investment is Chelsea’s determination to secure long-term contracts for their players. Many, including Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Enzo Fernandez, have contracts until 2030 or later.
The only exceptions are new signings Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, whose contracts expire before 2028. This ambition also extends to current players, such as Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Armando Broja, who have all signed contracts until 2028 since the new owners arrived.
However, this has caused problems in negotiations with Mason Mount, whose contract is set to expire in 2024.
Chelsea’s hierarchy aims to avoid contract stand-offs in the future by not allowing players’ deals to reach their final two years. However, this approach leaves the club with many decisions to make in the summer, both for the first team and beyond.
N’Golo Kante’s contract is set to expire soon, but it seems likely that he will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, loan deals for Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix are also set to end, and Chelsea will have to work with these players to determine whether their future lies at the club or elsewhere.
Otherwise, they risk losing players for free. To shape the club’s future as they intend, Chelsea will need to make these decisions carefully and effectively.
Contracts expiring in 2024
Mason Mount is the Chelsea player whose contract situation has received the most coverage, despite the fact that neither side is in a particularly strong position due to recent seasons. There will be increased pressure to resolve disputes prior to summer.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Having remained at Stamford Bridge this season to ease the transition during a turbulent time, the Chelsea captain’s future will be scrutinized once more, especially with Malo Gusto set to challenge James next season. The Blues could soon see the end of their legendary career.
Mateo Kovacic – There have been no negotiations between the player and the club to extend his contract, but his recent play alongside Fernandez could prove enticing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Given his limited role under Potter, it appears that a decision has been made regarding the former Arsenal striker should a suitor be found in the summer.
Thiago Silva – The Brazilian has continued to defy his age to be one of Chelsea’s best players and likely exists outside of any long-term squad consolidation plans.
Christian Pulisic – The U.S. international is still a trusted member of the squad, but he has expressed a desire to leave the club in the past, and after the January acquisitions of Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk, he may be on his way out.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – The Chelsea midfielder has been content with his role and was one of the few players to emerge from the early portion of the season with some merit. The Blues will determine whether they are satisfied with Loftus-current Cheek’s contract, with midfield being a possible area for future revitalization.
Contracts expiring in 2025
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy – Both goalkeepers will look to establish themselves as Chelsea’s first choice before the end of the season, but their status could be threatened if the Blues decide to add a goalkeeper in the summer. If so, you would anticipate that at least one would be sold.
Ben Chilwell – Given Chilwell’s current form, it would appear to be a no-brainer for Potter to extend his contract, as he already has two excellent wingback options at his disposal.
Hakim Ziyech – Ziyech desired a transfer during the summer transfer window and saw a loan to PSG fall through in the final hours of the January transfer deadline. Finding a deal for Ziyech should be a top priority to help Chelsea reduce its roster.
Conor Gallagher – The midfielder was content to remain with the club in January, as Potter refused to authorize a transfer. There may be a debate between the club and the player as to whether his contribution has been sufficient for both parties to be satisfied in the summer.
Kai Havertz – The German forward has been dependable for Chelsea under Potter and previously. The Blues will not want the 23-year- old’s contract to expire soon.
Lewis Hall – Since the January transfer window and the return of a number of injured stars, the youngster has struggled for playing time. However, offering a new deal remains a simple choice.
Players out on loan
Several players who are currently out on loan will return to Cobham in the summer, and some of them will train with Potter for the first time. However, there are some notable players whose future will require careful consideration, while others may be easy decisions.
Among the 2024 cohort are Ethan Ampadu, Bashir Humphreys, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Ian Maatsen. Meanwhile, Levi Colwill and Malang Sarr’s contracts will expire in 2025.
It is clear that Colwill’s contract should be extended if Chelsea can convince him to stay, but other players may find their future lies elsewhere. Ultimately, the club will need to make strategic decisions about each player to shape the future of the team.
Chelsea set for 20 major decisions that could see Graham Potter’s squad overhauled
Chelsea set for 20 major decisions that could see Graham Potter’s squad overhauled
