Tactics and Transfers: January signings are necessary for Chelsea

Chelsea needs to act quickly in this window. The Blues have major issues to solve, not only at wingback, but also in terms of possibly needing to stabilize the defense in the long run. This January window is also a great opportunity because of the amount of free agents who Chelsea are able to negotiate with. Normally, this many major players are not available, but during COVID-19, a great deal of teams pushed the limit with their negotiations. I think the centerback issue will play out with the Blues on top. Rumors are that Real Madrid has dropped its interest in Rudiger and I think he’s likely to stay unless there is a last minute move from Paris Saint-Germain, who simply does not need him.

Thiago Silva will likely sign another extension and rumors are that is very likely, as well. He wants to continue playing at the top level so he can play for Brazil in one more World Cup during the current group’s winning window. After that, I assume he’ll take a tax haven deal in Qatar or move back to Brazil. I’d just like him to stay forever and join the coaching staff. Take Trevoh Chalobah and the eventual Levi Colwill under his wing, but that’s a discussion for another time.

Azpilicueta and Christensen appear to be the issues, but the emergence of Chalobah has made that much less worrisome. I still hold out faith that Azpilicueta will end up staying. He should. Chelsea should learn the lesson that it seems it goes through every couple of years in thinking that Azpilicueta is done and the Blues need to move on. The captain—even if just for his leadership—should be offered a three-year deal to retire as a Blue before immediately joining the coaching staff and working with John Terry in the youth academy.

Messing around with Azpilicueta’s contract has been disrespectful up to this point and if anything, Silva has demonstrated that for a real professional who takes care of his body and can read the game properly (which is less and less common every year it seems), the real age to start thinking about the end for a defender begins at 35 or 36. Christensen I am willing to let leave if he doesn’t sign. Chelsea has enough good players coming up to replace him and Chalobah has already exposed his weaknesses. Thus, it is my honest belief that the Blues will be searching for legitimate wingback help, but panicking and making a rushed or overly expensive centerback signing is something of a secondary issue.