LATEST UPDATE: Chelsea’s next four transfers planned after securing £21m deal for Enzo Maresca, with potential challenges emerging.
Chelsea have a massive squad under Enzo Maresca, and it’s only growing. The Italian named a 28-man group for the summer tour in America, excluding Euro 2024 stars Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer, and Conor Gallagher.
Moises Caicedo wasn’t initially on the list but joined his teammates in California before the first friendly against Wrexham. Enzo Fernandez is also enjoying time off after his Copa America participation. Including these stars, the squad swells to 33 players.
Additionally, several players were left behind. Alfie Gilchrist and Trevoh Chalobah contributed last season under Mauricio Pochettino, while Deivid Washington oscillated between the academy and first team. Cesare Casadei returned from a loan in January to fill a gap. Over £100 million worth of players signed since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover in 2022 didn’t make the trip across the Atlantic.
Adding complexity, there are limits on the number of players that can be loaned out across Europe. Historically, Chelsea used this system to develop players before selling them or letting contracts expire. Current rules allow only six international loans. Considering the multi-club system with RC Strasbourg, expected to take at least two or possibly three players, options are limited.
Caleb Wiley, who joined for about £8.5 million from Atlanta United and is currently at the Olympics with the USA, will likely be sent to Strasbourg. Under new management by Liam Rosenior, the Ligue 1 side hopes to benefit from Chelsea’s resources.
Last season, Strasbourg received Angelo Gabriel for the entire season, and he impressed in senior football. Andrey Santos joined in January, helping Patrick Vieira stave off relegation. Vieira’s recent departure from BlueCo was unexpected.
Under Rosenior, Chelsea plans to send Santos back after pre-season, filling two of the six international loan spots, with one more at Strasbourg remaining. The list of potential loanees not on tour is long, including Angelo Gabriel, David Datro Fofana, Washington, Casadei, Gabriel Slonina, and the newly signed Renato Veiga. Marc Guiu has a chance to prove his worth in America but may seek a loan as the Premier League season approaches.
Cobham graduates and other youngsters bought under Boehly-Clearlake, like Bashir Humphreys, Alex Matos, Harvey Vale, Leo Castledine, and Alfie Gilchrist, are also looking for loans. Having experienced EFL loans before, they could exit similarly or be considered for international loans.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could lead to Djordje Petrovic seeking a loan if a sale isn’t possible. The abundance of goalkeepers still on the books creates additional challenges.