Chelsea Football Club is embarking on a decisive reshaping of its defensive options, aiming to cut the number of center‑backs from ten to as few as five before the new manager Xabi Alonso fully imposes his philosophy.
The first piece of that puzzle fell into place when Trevoh Chalobah, after eighteen years of service, completed a move to Italian side Como, a transfer that fetched the club $41.5 million (£30 million). The sale not only clears a spot but also injects a sizable profit into the books.
Who Remains
Among those who appear to be safe are Maxence Lacroix, who arrived for a £70 million fee, and Wesley Fofana, whose hefty price tag makes him a difficult player to part with. Levi Colwill, returning from an ACL injury, is viewed as untouchable for the upcoming season, leaving only two of the original ten slots open beyond these three.
The list of players whose futures hang in the balance reads like a transfer window preview. Tosin Adarabioyo is poised to depart, a move that would represent pure profit for the club. French internationals Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile have been marked as available, with Disasi reportedly courting interest in England and Napoli emerging as a leading suitor for Badiashile.
Potential Exits
Meanwhile, younger members of the squad are feeling the pressure. Mamadou Sarr was unexpectedly withdrawn from the starting XI ahead of the match against Johor Darul Ta’zim, the reasoning left unexplained. Aarón Anselmino left the field injured, a setback that could influence his long‑term prospects, while Josh Acheampong, who managed just 663 Premier League minutes last season, is being reassessed for a role that once seemed promising.
Overall, the strategy reflects a broader ambition to streamline a once‑overcrowded back line, turning a surplus of talent into a leaner, more cohesive unit that can adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands.