Chelsea: How Jorginho’s potential exit impacts the team

Jorginho’s arrival at Stamford Bridge likely meant an eventual exit to whichever club Maurizio Sarri took over next. How would Jorginho leaving impact Chelsea going forward?

The Jorginho to Juventus rumors are picking up steam once again. A move to Sarri’s next club has been rumored since the minute the two set foot in London, as they’re often seen as a package deal. However, Jorginho stayed in London and has remained a loyal servant to the club, despite the hearsay. The discussions are becoming more concrete now and it looks as if Jorginho may be on his way to Juventus.

A big money deal could see the midfielder return to Italy after two seasons. Consequently, Chelsea loses its vice-captain and a regular in the starting XI. Luckily, Jorginho’s potential departure has some positive impacts on the rest of the Chelsea squad.

The player most heavily affected by Jorginho’s move to Juventus would be Billy Gilmour. Gilmour’s stepped up recently, covering the middle of the park during Jorginho’s suspension. He’s earned a couple of Man of the Match awards and impressed Blues fans. The young Scot possesses many of the same traits as Chelsea’s current regista; he’s got a great touch and an even better eye for passing lanes.

Gilmour’s skill set offers more to a midfield than Jorginho. However, at just 18 years old, he’s got a lot more to learn. Gilmour’s inexperience makes it increasingly likely the midfielder goes out on loan next season as things stand. However, should Jorginho move to Juventus, Frank Lampard might be able to give Gilmour enough minutes to justify his stay in west London next season.

Jorginho’s exit also frees up Lampard’s midfield. The Blues are shackled with the 28-year-old in the side. Other midfielders often make up for Jorginho’s lack of athletic ability and technical ability to defend. Sometimes it’s playing N’Golo Kante in an attacking role; other times, it’s playing Mateo Kovacic close to the back line. All of these moves are made to cover up Jorginho’s pace struggles and to ensure he’s in a position to get the most out of his game.

Nevertheless, Jorginho’s absence would allow Lampard to experiment a bit more in the midfield. The gaffer recently discussed the importance of Kante to the team. Should Jorginho leave, returning Kante to his natural defensive midfield position may be a good place to start for the Blues. Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Kovacic and Gilmour would fight for the remaining two starting spots. Regardless of who Lampard plays, as long as Jorginho isn’t in the starting XI, the midfielders are able to play more freely.

Jorginho has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, but seeing him leave wouldn’t be a terrible thing for the club. What do you make of the rumors surrounding a Jorginho exit? Tell us in the comments below.