Chelsea Football Club is set to undergo a significant squad overhaul this January under the guidance of Head Coach Enzo Maresca.
Known for his no-nonsense approach, Maresca has made it clear that he intends to streamline the squad by moving on several peripheral players.
This follows a summer of heavy spending and strategic restructuring at Stamford Bridge. Below, we look at 5 Chelsea Players Likely to Leave in January.
5 Chelsea Players Likely to Leave in January
1. Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell’s departure has been on the cards for some time. The left-back, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for £50 million, has struggled to fit into Maresca’s tactical system. With Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto ahead of him in the pecking order, Chilwell’s game time has been limited. The club failed to offload him last summer, but they remain determined to find him a new home in January.
2. Carney Chukwuemeka
Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is another player likely to exit Stamford Bridge. Despite his £20 million move from Aston Villa in 2022, he has only made 32 appearances for the Blues. Chelsea’s reported £40 million asking price could make finding a buyer difficult, but Chukwuemeka’s potential and desire for more game time might see him secure a move.
3. Cesare Casadei
Cesare Casadei has attracted interest from clubs like Feyenoord and Monza. The Italian midfielder is eager for more first-team opportunities and could leave on loan to continue his development. Casadei’s departure is expected to be temporary, as Chelsea still view him as a promising talent for the future.
4. Harvey Vale
Harvey Vale’s future at Chelsea looks uncertain, with his contract set to expire in the summer. The 21-year-old forward has impressed with the under-21s, contributing nine goals and nine assists in 15 games. European and Championship clubs are reportedly interested in securing his services, and a January transfer appears likely as he seeks senior-level football.
5. Alex Matos
After a loan spell at Huddersfield last season, Alex Matos has found himself surplus to requirements at Chelsea. The 20-year-old central midfielder is not part of Maresca’s long-term plans, and a move in January could provide him with a fresh start elsewhere.
Other likely to leave
The Portuguese international who joined about 6 months ago is reportedly attracting interest from a host of clubs following a desire to play regularly. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have all expressed interest and it is thought that Chelsea will be willing to make a deal before the close of the window.
