Chelsea has lost Jay Dasilva to a buy clause in his contract. While sad, that does allow Chelsea more freedom for a left back when they can buy.
It was a head scratcher last summer when news broke about Jay Dasilva’s buy clause. Sure he was small, but he showed talent and skill that should trump his size. He played well throughout the season and Chelsea came under a transfer ban. More and more, the buy clause seemed foolish.
Of course, Dasilva, just like Ola Aina, would have had to accept any transfer on their end. Rumors of Marcos Alonso departing would have given Dasilva hope. But either he or the club made a decision and now Dasilva is a Bristol City player.
This move will have repercussions for the left back spot. Some players will stay that were previously earmarked to go. But it also gives Chelsea a flexibility and freedom when they are able to buy again.
First, it is hard to separate Juan Castillo’s u-turn on staying from Dasilva’s transfer with both stories coming at roughly the same time. Castillo has played left wing back and the academy but many seem to see his skill set as suited for the offense rather than the defense. There might be a connection but it is at best circumstantial.
Furthermore, Dasilva leaving should squash any rumors of Alonso or Emerson departing. Chelsea has tried to be two deep in every position in recent seasons and now they cannot afford to lose either left back. There is the wildcard option of Kenedy or Baba Rahman returning to take the deputy spot, but those odds are very slim.
But going forward, Chelsea now has the burden of the pipeline off their shoulders. If Chelsea was able to make transfers this summer, striker and a left back would have been the highest priorities. Any new left back would have spelled the end for Dasilva’s chances anyways and he probably saw that.
Now, when Chelsea can buy again, they need not be concerned with alienating a young player coming up because there is not one for the position of left back now. Kenedy and Rahman have likely run their races at Chelsea. Castillo will likely end up as an attacking player of some sort. After that it is just a matter of Emerson or Alonso and who leaves first and who is easier to move on.
Unless Emerson fulfills his potential or Alonso returns to his title winning form, Chelsea will need a left back when the window opens. With Dasliva (and to some extent, Aina) out of the picture, they can now look for someone young and world class without worrying about the cascading effects of the transfer. One need only look at Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcin Bulka to see that it is a real effect to consider when buying a player.
Dasilva will go on to be a great player and it will have been smart on Chelsea’s part to work a buyback in. But his departure, sad as it may be, relieves one burden off the club’s back for when the window opens for the Blues once again.