Chelsea’s Manager Addresses Player Status Amidst Transfer Speculations

New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has expressed his intention to engage in discussions with Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, both of whom find themselves in a state of uncertainty, classified as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad.’

Rosenior, who took over from Enzo Maresca last week, is focused on an extensive agenda after joining mid-season from Strasbourg, a club that shares ownership with Chelsea. A key priority for him is to communicate with Sterling and Disasi, who were brought in during the 2023-24 season for £47.5 million and £38.5 million, respectively. Currently, both players are training at different times and locations, separate from the main squad, and remain on the transfer list despite rejecting potential loan moves over the summer.

In addressing the situation, Rosenior stated, “I will have conversations with them. We’re in January, as you know. Raheem’s had an outstanding career, and I’ve got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I’ve really liked as a player for a long time. Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them and with the club. I have got to work through a list of priorities, and I will do that in the next few days.”

Sterling has attracted interest from Napoli, while Roma and Lyon have explored options for Disasi. However, Chelsea is currently limited to six players out on overseas loans, as stipulated by FIFA rules, and would need to cancel one existing loan agreement to facilitate any temporary transfers for the pair.

Typically, Chelsea is active in every transfer window, but the managerial change has led to a slower start this January. Insiders maintain that the club’s strategy will remain consistent, although Rosenior’s input will now be part of the discussions following Maresca’s abrupt exit.

Regarding potential signings, Rosenior added, “The first conversation I had with the guys [the club’s hierarchy] was about assessing the most important players currently at the club. You often find positive surprises when you give players a chance. I experienced some delightful surprises in the match against Charlton. Yes, we are in January, and we want the club to be successful in the short term, but sometimes the solutions are right within our own ranks. I will make decisions with the team later in the week after evaluating everyone.”

Chelsea anticipates making more significant signings in the summer when their preferred targets are likely to be available. The club is especially looking for a high-quality attacker, as evidenced by their brief consideration of Antoine Semenyo before he joined Manchester City. Previous interest also existed for Dean Huijsen prior to his transfer to Real Madrid, and they intend to strengthen the centre-back position as well.

Among the players attracting Chelsea’s interest is Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, along with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz. The club has also been linked with St Etienne striker Djylian N’Guessan, although he is also a target for sister club Strasbourg.

Furthermore, Chelsea has shown admiration for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who has less than 18 months remaining on his contract. Midfield options may be considered should Romeo Lavia continue to face injury challenges. Additionally, should back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen decide to leave, his position would require addressing.

Academy graduate Tyrique George, who has struggled to secure a place in recent matchday squads, is available for sale following a collapsed £22 million move to Fulham last summer, and the option for a loan could also be explored.

The club is currently navigating considerable restrictions imposed by UEFA to maintain a “positive transfer balance” in January, necessitating that any incoming deals are offset by outgoing transactions. These restrictions are expected to ease next season, coinciding with the introduction of the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Control ratio rules, which are less stringent than the current Profit and Sustainability (PSR) regulations.

Chelsea has already identified several players for next season, including £40 million Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, Kairat forward Dastan Satapayev, and Corinthians left-back Denner Evangelista. The club has also confirmed a deal to sign defender Deinner Ordonez from Independiente del Valle, slated to join in January 2028.

Players currently on loan, such as Aaron Anselmino at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg trio Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, continue to be highly regarded, particularly the latter three who have played under Rosenior in France.