Chelsea chiefs are refusing to rule out signing a more experienced player behind-the-scenes, which goes against BlueCo’s usual transfer strategy, and they’re actively considering a free agent who Barcelona really want at the Camp Nou.
Chelsea planning to sign a new centre-back this summer
Amid Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury, which has ruled the Frenchman out for the remainder of 2024/2025, Chelsea are believed to be weighing up the possibility of another central defender this summer.
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Their centre-back shortage prompted Enzo Maresca and co to activate the recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace, temporarily plugging the gap, but Chelsea are intending to reinforce that area of the squad with a star signing for the long-term.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a top target for Chelsea, according to reports, but they’re likely to face major competition for the Spaniard’s services considering he’ll have an active £50 million release clause in his contract this summer.
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There have also been rumours of Chelsea and a potential move to re-sign former Cobham academy graduate Marc Guehi. Maresca’s side are among the favourites to strike a deal for the England international, who is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, but his price tag will still reportedly range from £50-60 million.
Given the west Londoners are linked with bringing in a new goalkeeper, midfielder, winger and striker, Chelsea will need to tread carefully and find the best-value option possible to solidify their backline.
Chelsea considering Jonathan Tah move amid Barcelona interest
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Bayer Leverkusen stalwart Jonathan Tah is under consideration at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old played a role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last term, helping them to end the domestic campaign unbeaten, and he’s set to be up for grabs as a free agent this summer as things stand.
Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of signing Tah at zero cost, but Barcelona pose a threat, as they are “pushing hard” to land the German.
“We have heard through a source that Chelsea are never going to rule out signing an older and more experienced player if they can sign that player under the right circumstances,” wrote Phillips, via his Substack.
“We have heard that 29-year-old centre back from Bayer Leverkusen Jonathan Tah is still under consideration this summer. He is at this moment a free agent in the summer and although Barcelona are pushing to sign him, Chelsea do have him as a potential option but only if they can agree on wages with the player.
“However, there is no indication yet that the player would accept anything from Chelsea but he is keeping his options open right now. I’m unaware as of now if Chelsea have made an approach, but I’m hearing new noise on him.”
He would be an intriguing option for Maresca, and it is clear to see Tah very much remains an elite-level defender.
Over the course of 2024/2025, the 35-cap international has started 27 top-flight matches this season as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso, averaging an impressive 93% passing accuracy out from the back (WhoScored).
Tah would be a snip for Chelsea, regardless of his age, and it is an option which should definitely be given deserved thought.