The January transfer window is in full swing, providing top Premier League clubs with ample opportunity to bolster their squads ahead of the trophy chase. Meanwhile, teams fighting against relegation are looking to make vital acquisitions to secure their place in the league.
In this edition of Keep, Dump or Extend, analysts Mark Ogden and Gab Marcotti discuss the various issues confronting Chelsea, from transfer strategies to the appointment of their new head coach.
Chelsea: Keep, Dump or Extend?
Current league position (as of Jan. 23): 6th, with 34 points (last season’s finish: 4th, 69 points)
Realistic target: Progressing to the Champions League quarterfinals and qualifying for the next season.
1. With Enzo Maresca’s departure and Liam Rosenior stepping in, what lessons can Chelsea apply to ease his transition?
Marcotti: Rosenior comes from Strasbourg, which operates under the same BlueCo ownership umbrella as Chelsea, giving him a solid understanding of the club’s operations and business model that emphasizes not only immediate success but also player development and trading for long-term gain. However, unlike Strasbourg’s focus on youthful development, Chelsea’s larger fanbase and financial stakes demand a commitment to winning. It would be beneficial for one of the five sporting directors to assume a more visible role, providing Rosenior, who is only 41, with clear guidelines on managing player rotations and time on the pitch.
Ogden: Rosenior faces a significant challenge, but with the right talent, Chelsea can meet this season’s minimum expectations. The real uncertainty lies in whether players like Reece James, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer will buy into the philosophy of a coach whose prior stint in England ended with his dismissal at Hull City. Chelsea has the capability to push for a top-four finish despite existing flaws, suggesting that an effective coach could align the team with the owners’ short-term ambitions.
2. Are Chelsea’s center-forward options sufficient with João Pedro, Marc Guiu, and Liam Delap?
Marcotti: I’m leaning towards “no.” When João Pedro plays as a center forward, he presents a different profile, and his injury history raises concerns. With Delap struggling to make an impact due to his red card count matching his goals, and Guiu still in his teenage years, Chelsea needs to explore better options. If they want to avoid spending, bringing in Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg could be a smart move, possibly six months ahead of schedule.
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Liam Rosenior: Enzo Fernández transfer speculation means nothing to me
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior downplays any transfer rumors involving Enzo Fernández.
Ogden: I’m not convinced. While João Pedro would improve the forward line, he doesn’t fall into the category of prolific strikers like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa. Chelsea still lacks a 20-goal-a-season forward. Delap, unfortunately plagued by injury, is likely limited to a backup role, and while Guiu has potential, he is too young to shoulder the scoring burden necessary for title contention.
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3. Is Robert Sánchez a viable option in goal for Chelsea?
Marcotti: Of course, you can wait until the season’s end to make a decision. However, Sánchez is showing improvement this season and currently surpasses Filip Jorgensen, raising the question of whether Chelsea should bring Mike Penders over or pursue a goalkeeper like Mike Maignan, who, despite being 31 this summer and not fitting Chelsea’s typical profile, is world-class and a natural leader. They were close to acquiring him last summer and should seriously consider it, but resolution should come by March.
Ogden: His development this season indicates he might be benefiting from the confidence of being the starter. However, compared to top keepers from recent championship teams and David Raya at Arsenal, Sánchez still falls short of the quality needed to help a team win the Premier League.
4. Do Chelsea need to strengthen their center-back options?
Marcotti: With Levi Colwill sidelined for the remainder of the season, Trevoh Chalobah stands as Chelsea’s top center-back, partnering with a rotating combination of Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoît Badiashile. I would keep this group for now, assessing the situation come summer. A healthy Fofana is valuable, and Adarabioyo is open to a squad role. A clear pathway exists for Colwill, and it’s prudent to avoid holding on to ineffective defenders, but if the need arises, bringing back Mamadou Sarr, who has been consistent at Strasbourg, could be an option.
Ogden: I have a different perspective from Gab. The defenders mentioned do pose as competent contributors in the Premier League, and Chalobah has shown noticeable growth since his return from loan at Crystal Palace. However, Chelsea lacks a solid defensive anchor—a player in the vein of Virgil van Dijk, Rúben Dias, or Gabriel Magalhães—and finding such a player should be a priority.
5. Is a departure for Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi feasible?
Marcotti: Holding onto players who aren’t contributing doesn’t make sense, especially when these two are not even listed in the squad. Sterling, earning significant wages, reportedly prefers to stay in London. It may be worth contacting Fulham, Crystal Palace, or West Ham to discuss subsidizing his wages, as he likely seeks playing time.
As for Disasi, despite his World Cup final substitute appearance, he struggled during his loan at Aston Villa last season but understands that he must find a regular spot to be successful.
Ogden: The situation surrounding Sterling and Chelsea feels stuck, as he wants to remain in London for family reasons but has limited options unless he is willing to accept a substantial pay cut. Chelsea could assist with his departure by settling his contract, but neither option appears likely. Disasi should be more straightforward to move in January due to fewer complications.
6. Is Andrey Santos ready to step up as a consistent midfielder?
Marcotti: He was brought in as the primary backup due to Romeo Lavia‘s continuous injuries, but he has faced difficulties adapting. At just 21 and in a foreign league, he is still finding his footing. However, Chelsea urgently needs a dependable option, particularly with Reece James’ own injury history possibly necessitating his role at fullback. He should be given more chances, but he must rise to the occasion soon.
Ogden: I don’t believe he’s quite ready yet, but his current role suits both him and Chelsea well, knowing he provides cover for both Moisés Caicedo and Fernández, both of whom often receive yellow cards and require rest. That will get him playing time, but he may not be featured in significant matches unless those players are injured or suspended.