The BBC published an article back in late December looking ahead to this January window and what Chelsea might be looking to do in it.
According to the well informed Nizaar Kinsella, there were 5 key objectives for the month, with the club hoping to shift all of these players on a permanent deal. That would allow them wiggle room in terms of wages and fees to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s playing squad by replacing players he doesn’t use with others that he might like more.
So as we reach the 27th of January, a month on from that article, how have the Blues’ sporting directors got on with their main tasks for the month?
Chelsea’s progress on 5 sales this month
Carney Chukwuemeka
Still at the club, without really any move appearing to be close. He’s been out of the first team picture since about July, yet we’ve failed to move him on.
Ben Chilwell
The same story – it’s been clear since Enzo Maresca came in that Chilwell wasn’t part of the plan, yet no move has been found. In fact, we’ve not heard a single convincing rumour about a suitor either. Looks set to stay until the end of the season as a forgotten man.
Cesare Casadei
By far the closest to a move – could see his loan to Lazio concluded as soon as today. Even then, it’s hardly a cause for celebration – the club look likely to lose money on the €15m they paid Inter for him, at least initially.
Harvey Vale
Still at the club, despite lots of rumoured interest about potentially being allowed to leave for free with a sell on clause included.
Alex Matos
Ok, at least this guy got a move – albeit not the permanent transfer we wanted. He’s joined Oxford United on loan. Open the Champagne!
This team been bought by group of people just to makes this team their toy . I don’t see this team winning anything the way they run the club . As a supporter I spend money to buy ticket buy merchandise singing out loud Chelsea FC pride of London now I doubt this people’s running this team I love . Sad when Roman left plus the entire of his group . Only Time can tell if they going back to their glory days and being competitive again . Some of the players they bought lack of physical battles , they’re soft . They only know dribbling the ball . No help in defence . We miss the era of those players that fought hard to win even they are in pain fight on to win helping each other to defend fighting to score to win . This era are soft because the owners has no clue how to make this team champions . They always base their idea on buying young players but weak and even not playing them . Sale the club to those group who loves this club and have a winning mentality and wants to be champion . I hope this season they will survive on qualifying in UCL .
Can’t agree more with above comment. Said it many times before gone are the days the players would die for the club, Chech, Terry, Cavallo, Cahill, WISE, Lampard, Drogba, Ivanovich, A and J Cole, and the list goes on. Now, bunch of pansies except for Palmer, and James, only here for the money. Keeper thats unreliable, striker that couldn’t hit a barn door. Suggest that the club exchange the players for the C.F.C. ladies squad, who are a damn sight better together with their coach. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!