Sign or Sell? What should Chelsea do with contract rebels
Sign or Sell? What should Chelsea do with each of their four soon-to-be out-of-contract defenders in January?
By Oli Dickson Jefford
Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel find themselves at a crossroads with their defence, with four key players currently nearing the end of their contracts.
With the January transfer window a few days away, there is the possibility that any of Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen could be on the move soon and as they enter the last six months of their deals, they are free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.
Whether contract negotiations with either of those four will take place remains to be seen, but the Chelsea board faces a dilemma this winter: seal a new deal or let them go?
We take a look at the four defenders in question and whether Chelsea and Tuchel should ‘sign or sell’ in the coming month.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger has achieved huge success at Chelsea despite a bumpy start and is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in world football.
The German has won five trophies during his time in south west London—most notably in last season’s Champions League victory—and has been an integral part of the club’s strong start to this season.
There is quite frankly no doubt that Chelsea should, and will be, looking to keep him on and get him to sign a new contract.
However that is unlikely to happen, with it looking all but decided that he will depart to Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, with talk a move has already been agreed.
Sign or Sell? Sign, but unlikely to happen as it stands
Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta is one of most decorated players in Chelsea history having won every major honour during his nine-year spell and is a hugely popular presence at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard is still an influential figure as club captain, but he has seen his playing time decrease recently due to the emergence of Reece James.
James has become one of the best right-backs in Europe and at the age of 22, represents the future of the club and should eclipse his 32-year-old skipper.
Azpilicueta has been a fine servant for Chelsea and may still offer something for the Blues as a versatile option or back-up, but it may be time to let him head to pastures new.
Sign or Sell? Sell
Thiago Silva
Chelsea raised a few eyebrows when they signed Thiago Silva - one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation - on a one-year deal in 2020.
It was expected that Silva, then 35, would move on after that contract but his deal was extended this summer after becoming an important member of the side’s backline.
The Brazilian, now 37, is still putting in world class performances despite his age and has arguably been one of the club’s strongest performers this season.
Silva is still critical for Chelsea and, despite the fact he will turn 38 next September, it would be foolish of the Blues to not offer him a new deal either in January or the summer.
Sign or Sell? Sign
Andreas Christensen
In his seven-year spell at the club, Christensen has never quite been able to nail down a permanent starting XI spot, but he is still highly rated by the club’s hierarchy.
He came on for an injured Silva in May’s Champions League final triumph, putting in an impressive display in the 1-0 win over Man City in Porto and showing his importance to the side.
The Dane is undoubtedly a very good defender and may get more opportunities in the future with fellow centre-backs Rudiger and Silva among those who could be on the way out.
It would be understandable if Christensen wanted to leave to guarantee more game time, but if Rudiger heads to Spain, the Dane would play more —and it is vital that at least one of them stays.
Sign or Sell? Sign
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