Back in 2003, Chelsea had just two FA Cups and one League Cup to their name within the past decade. Legendary players like Marcel Desailly, Gianfranco Zola, and Didier Deschamps still came to the club and battles for a place in the Champions League would be a regular addition to the Blues’ season.
Fast forward almost two decades, and the club has conquered Europe twice along with 13 domestic trophies that include five Premier League titles. Now, however, Chelsea’s entire infrastructure, transfer blueprint, and wealth has ground to a halt with no immediate solution as to how the club will continue on as a top force in Europe.
Elite players will be leaving, and few will be coming in. Here’s all the Chelsea stars who are likely to leave following Roman Abramovich’s attempt to sell the club.
Antonio Rudiger
Prior to the current drama surrounding the club, Antonio Rudiger was seemingly heading for the exit with the defender refusing to sign a new contract all campaign long. His next club has been one of the most discussed topics of the season, and now – even if there was a slight chance of him staying – he is certainly going to be on the move in the summer.
Manchester United have reportedly thrown themselves into the mix on this one, but for Rudiger, it would be a step down to a Premier League rival. Clubs like Bayern Munich back in his homeland will likely be involved in contract discussions, and there’s a chance he returns to Italy after an impressive spell with Roma before moving to Chelsea.
Andreas Christensen
At 25, Andreas Christensen has had a slow-burning career at the club level. Despite bringing in a Champions League and Europa League title with the Blues, he still has only 90 league appearances to his name and failed to get into the starting XI regularly.
The Denmark international is now out of contract in the summer and obviously will not be renewing it, as that is both impossible right now, and not the best career move. Barcelona – another club looking to acquire assets as cheaply as possible – have become the club looking the most likely to pry him away from Stamford Bridge. Now, with the season coming to a close, it looks as if we will see Christensen over in La Liga.
Cesar Azpilicueta
A departure that would hurt Chelsea fans more than most would be Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard has been the team captain for the past few years, with 462 appearances for the club and counting. Not many have reached his legendary heights in West London over the years.
Now a decade removed from his Marseille signing, Azpilicueta will not be able to sign a new contract and will be departing the club with those back in his homeland set to get his signature. Just like Christensen, Barcelona are leading the way and it looks almost certain that’s where he’ll end up.
Romelu Lukaku
If there is anybody that’s going to use this fiasco to depart the club, it’s Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has irritated Chelsea fans all season long with his outspoken desire to rejoin his former club, Inter Milan, and goes hand in hand with his lackluster on field performance.
Lukaku has talked about a move to Chelsea being a dream for him since he was a child, but not once has he shown that love to the extent he speaks of. Now, with the club in turmoil, surely the striker will push for a move back to Inter and cap off what has been one of the worst transfers Chelsea have ever made.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante
Although there are talents under the age of 25 who will begin to worry about their future by staying with Chelsea such as Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic, those players have priced themselves out in such an expensive market and will subsequently stay in West London. With this in mind, expect multiple clubs to eye up Chelsea’s midfield, as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are both 30 years old and could be available way below their market value.
Both have been highly sought after around Europe for the last few years, as the two are already considered among the best in central midfield. Clubs like Inter and Juventus in Jorginho’s homeland may look to bring him in during their own rebuilding processes, and the same applies for Kante with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
The Blues won’t sell everybody. But on the other hand, with the likes of Kante and Jorginho seeing their contracts end next summer, Chelsea may find it more suitable to cash in on them now to bring money back into the club.
-Grant McQuillan
Twitter: @Grant_McQuillan