Chelsea’s latest defensive prodigy: What’s next for Marc Guehi?
What’s Next?
Pitching Guehi as a ready-made Chelsea starter would be madness: the youngster is clearly talented but needs to be chiseled into a top-flight player. That would suggest a Premier League loan at this stage of his career as the best option. A good loan could be timed perfectly with Rudiger and Thiago Silva’s likely departure from the club, with both players expected to leave in 2022. Crystal Palace is the only club to be linked with a move for Guehi yet.
Another alternative would be to keep Guehi in and around the first team for the season ahead, allowing him to develop closely with the aforementioned players. On paper, it makes sense too. Chelsea will be competing in six competitions next season, therefore, squad depth will be important. A quick audit of the defense also points out a shortage of options in the left centerback role, with Rudiger currently the only natural fit for that position. While Kurt Zouma has played in that position on more than a few occasions, he has looked uncomfortable, to say the least.
Guehi, thus, provides Chelsea with an adequate backup to Rudiger for the difficult season that lies ahead. In time, the youngster may even overtake the veteran and make the position his own. He certainly has the talent to do so. However, if he stays at the club beyond pre-season, Guehi will be the second-choice behind the German – possibly even lower initially. The question which must be asked here is whether he will be happy with that role?
Another potential hindrance towards Guehi’s potential stay is that there are options available to the club, both within and outside its realms. Malang Sarr, who Chelsea signed last season from Nice and loaned out to Porto, could be another candidate to fill the backup LCB role. Sarr is a naturally left-footed player, which does provide him a little bit of edge over Guehi. Despite a mediocre loan in Portugal, he will also be judged by Tuchel during the pre-season. Furthermore, at Chelsea, managers and coaches always have the option of approaching the transfer market in need of reinforcements.
Next. Chelsea: Economic, personnel policy to sell oft-loaned or fringe players. dark
Guehi is expected to report for pre-season soon, following which news should arrive about his immediate future. Since his contract at the club runs until 2023, his next move could be a decisive one. Whether he goes out on loan, or serves as a backup to Rudiger, or even impresses Tuchel enough to earn a starting spot – Chelsea fans won’t have to wait long for answers.