Chelsea have too many center backs to consider adding another
By Travis Tyler
Chelsea have been linked to Clement Lenglet and Kalidou Koulibaly in the past week. Chelsea have too many center backs to consider them.
The Blues can expect a new manager shortly. It is almost guaranteed that whoever it is will use the 4-3-3 formation. That means there will be one less starting role for center backs at Chelsea. It also means that any links to new center backs make little sense. The position is perhaps Chelsea’s deepest depth wise and there is little indication that there is about to be a mass exodus.
Clement Lenglet and Kalidou Koulibaly have been the two linked. Both are fine players who would be an upgrade on a current center back but both are highly unnecessary transfers and wastes of money.
As things stand, the first choice pair next season will be Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. Of the two, Christensen is probably the one most likely to lose a starting role (though Rudiger has been known to get somewhat erratic at times). Either Lenglet or Koulibaly would most likely take Christensen’s spot. He has shown far too much promise to be pushed to the bench.
After Christensen and Rudiger, there is Gary Cahill and David Luiz. Cahill has a year left on his contract and at the very least will be given that in a Chelsea shirt. Luiz could be on his way out, but after him there are more center backs to fill in.
Kurt Zouma is coming off a good Premier League season (as good as it can be for a relegated team). Even if he does not want to return as third or fourth choice center back, he would be a more natural fit for Chelsea than a new big name signing. Matt Miazga could also squeak into the back of the depth chart.
Related Story: Chelsea: Mason Mount and Matt Miazga are ready for more
This is all not to mention Ethan Ampadu or Trevoh Chalobah being the back of the center back depth chart. They can easily fill in back there and a new center back would guarantee neither would get minutes.
Frankly, a new center back simply does not make any sense. Chelsea will not want to risk ostracizing Christensen and losing another youth star. Rudiger has earned his place. Cahill will surely be the center back on the bench. After that, who is fourth choice is of little consequence but Chelsea are well covered that deep.
Chelsea have far more pressing needs in virtually every other position. The managerial situation needs to be solved. A new goalkeeper might be needed. Midfield reinforcements are desperately needed. And a new striker or right winger would be luxury signings but would not be turned down. But center back? Chelsea have that all set for at least another season.
The only way these rumors make sense is if Chelsea are expecting three or more center backs to depart. Even then, the depth is so solid that they would only need to bring in one to cover for the hole.
Next: Tactics and Transfers: What is Chelsea's identity without Roman Abramovich?
Chelsea do not need center backs. For now the rumors can be chalked up to just that; rumors. But if the Blues do buy a new center back, they will surely lose someone they do not want to lose as a result.