The Champions of Europe have enjoyed great success under Tuchel and most credits should be given to their defence. They have not been very impressive in the attacking third but the defence has rarely let them down. Since Tuchel’s arrival, in a year, they have just conceded 42 goals in the 67 matches they have played. They made a record of conceding the least goals in a Champions League season, which they eventually ended up winning. All these credits have to be given to their defensive line but things might change come the next season. Many players could be leaving and could be replaced by many names floating. Here we analyze what could happen come the beginning of next season.
Who will LEAVE?
Andreas Christensen
The Danish center back is one of the most talented center backs in the league and has played really well in patches for the Blues. He had a tournament to remember in Euros last year as Denmark had a dream run. Since then, he became a crucial player in Chelsea’s back 3 and became a regular starter. Also, he came on as a substitute for Silva in the Champions League final for Chelsea and did well to help maintain the clean sheet.
He is in the last year of his contract and a few months back, everything looked very settled with his contract but things took a U-turn quickly as even after a verbal agreement, he has denied the Chelsea offer. He has recently changed his agent but the stand remains the same. The board and the player are not near when the contract is being considered and thus likeliness of him leaving is very high. According to reports, he will not be joining any Premier League club in respect on his stay at Chelsea and Spain looks the likeliest destination with Barcelona being the favorite. Barcelona are looking for players who can join as free agents and need a massive improvement in their defense. Christensen could be a very good addition fitting all the bills.
Likeliness to Leave: 9/10
Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s Leader, Legend and Captain has been a great servant for the club since 2012 and since then has been an integral part in all their title triumphs. Since the departure of Cahil, he has taken the captaincy armband and has shown every bit on and off the pitch to prove why he wears it. Last season he lifted the Champions League Trophy made him enter the elite club of captains who have lifted the coveted silverware. Not just as a leader, Azpilicueta has been performing at his absolute best despite entering the 30+ age club. Chelsea fans consider him as one of the most consistent players who rarely has a rough patch of games.
But despite his much important presence in the dressing room, he might be the victim of Chelsea’s strict contract rules. Chelsea board have been reluctant in offering a contract of 2+ years when a player enters the 30-year club. For the same reason, many legends for Chelsea have not ended their playing careers at the club and the same situation might happen with Azpilicueta who looks for a 2-year contract with an option to extend one more season. But Blues are just offering one year contract with an option to extend, thus the talks falling short. Recent news, suggests that he has had verbal agreements complete with Barcelona, but the Chelsea board are still waiting for his final words.
Likeliness to Leave: 7.5/10
Antonio Rudiger
Arguably Chelsea’s best player since the Tuchel era, Rudiger has established himself as one of the best center backs in Europe. He has had a year to remember with him receiving a great share of praise for Chelsea’s success. Rudiger right now is one of the pillars of this team and his presence on the pitch is irreplaceable. He not only is very important as a player but is also a senior member in the squad who is a part of the leading squad. His ability to play as the left-centre back despite being a right-footed player is just unmatchable and thus finding a replacement for the German is near to impossible for Chelsea.
He too is in the last year of his contract and before January, a move out of the club looked very likely with him and the club looking very far from the agreement due to the financial demands. Real Madrid looked a possible destination for the German but the Spanish club is now out of the race. Also, the deal between Chelsea and the player’s agent is coming closer to common grounds. This could be the happiest deal for Chelsea fans as they just love everything about the German.
Likeliness to Leave: 3/10
Marcos Alonso
The Spanish wing-back has been a player who is always around the news for Chelsea. Many times, it has been due to his heroics on the pitch while the rest has been due to his very poor form or a bust-up with the manager. Despite all, the Spanish wing-back is a very crucial player for his team and is providing a much important cover for Ben Chilwell who is out for the season. Though he is criticized for his defending, his attacking outputs from the back is very special. His ability on dead balls has also helped Chelsea in many instances. He indeed is one of the best wingbacks in the league and definitely a very good squad player for Chelsea.
The Spaniard though is not happy with the minutes he is receiving and some recent reports state that an exit in the summer is very much possible. He is looking for a move to Spain and to a team where he could start all the matches. This would though add up to Chelsea’s existing wingback problems with Emerson’s future is still uncertain.
Likeliness to Leave: 3/10