Chelsea’s Managerial Shift and Transfer Strategy in January 2026

Chelsea Football Club has had a tumultuous start to 2026, marked by the departure of former manager Enzo Maresca and the appointment of Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg. The decision to change leadership came after the team lost momentum under Maresca, who had previously guided Chelsea to victories in the Conference League and the Club World Cup. With Rosenior at the helm, the club’s strategy in the January transfer window remains uncertain, as this period is typically challenging for negotiations; many clubs are reluctant to part with players unless presented with irresistible offers.

Recent reports suggest that Chelsea may prioritize player sales over acquisitions in this transfer window. However, they could explore opportunities to sign new talent if an attractive prospect arises.

Hadj Moussa garnered attention for his impressive performance at AFCON, where he helped Algeria reach the quarter-finals before a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria. His standout moment came during a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, where he provided two assists. Nonetheless, he was subsequently relegated to the bench for the next two matches after being dropped from the starting lineup.

According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea has reached out to Moussa’s agent, Mohamed Dahmane, as Feyenoord, his current club, is aware that a departure could be imminent if the right offer is made. Moussa extended his contract with Feyenoord last year until 2030, placing the Dutch club in a strong negotiating position.

Moussa’s impressive performances are not limited to AFCON; last season, he delivered a remarkable display against Manchester City. Despite Feyenoord trailing 3-0 due to goals from Erling Haaland and Ilkay Gundogan, Moussa scored in the 75th minute, sparking a comeback that saw Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko also find the net, securing a 3-3 draw. This match marked a historic moment for City as they became the first team in Champions League history to lead by three goals and ultimately not win the match.

Feyenoord’s then-manager, Brian Priske, praised Moussa’s contributions, stating, “Exceptional. He was outstanding. He’s been great for us in recent games, constantly pushing and providing valuable attacking qualities. While he has shown the discipline required at a top team, he has also improved his effectiveness in attack.

“He’s making the right decisions rather than relying solely on tricks, which is crucial in the Champions League, where opportunities can be limited.”

In recent transfer windows, Chelsea has made a concerted effort to focus on young talent, aiming to build a squad rich in both potential and proven quality. The previous summer saw the arrivals of players such as Liam Delap, Estevao, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens, while significant investments were made in players like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez following the club’s ownership transition from Roman Abramovich to Todd Boehly and BlueCo.