Former Premier League Player Says One Chelsea Player Needs to Leave the Club

Chelsea’s left-back Ben Chilwell faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as the January transfer window looms. The 27-year-old, who joined the Blues from Leicester City for £45 million in 2020, has struggled for regular game time this season under the new managerial regime of Enzo Maresca. Despite making 107 appearances for the club, Chilwell’s involvement has drastically reduced, with only one appearance in the ongoing campaign.

Manager Enzo Maresca has openly hinted at Chilwell’s need to explore options elsewhere. Earlier in the summer, Maresca remarked, “With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but with his position, he’s going to struggle with us.” This candid admission has fueled speculation about the defender’s future, especially as his chances of making a significant impact under Maresca appear slim.

Chilwell’s only appearance this season came in a Carabao Cup clash against Barrow, and since then, he has been conspicuously absent from the team sheet. The former Leicester man has seen his place taken by other options in Chelsea’s revamped squad, leaving him at a career crossroads.

Former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro, who made nearly 200 appearances for the Blues, has advised Chilwell to prioritize his career by seeking regular playing time. Babayaro said, “He can’t seem to get himself fit. He’s not as young as he once was, so he’s got to be thinking, ‘If I’m not getting games here, I need to move.’”

Babayaro also highlighted Chilwell’s diminishing relevance in a Chelsea side that has undergone significant changes under Maresca. With the Blues struggling to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool, Babayaro believes Chilwell’s exit could benefit both the player and the club.

Chelsea’s form this season has been far from convincing, and their defensive stability remains a concern. Babayaro praised Maresca for instilling a more fluid style of play but emphasized the need for a diverse tactical approach. “Maresca is a great coach. He did really well with Leicester, bringing them back into the Premier League,” Babayaro noted, before cautioning against repetitive post-match rhetoric that could affect morale.

For Chilwell, the pressing issue is securing consistent playing time. At 27, the England international is approaching the peak years of his career, and remaining on the periphery of Chelsea’s squad could hinder his development. A move away, either in January or during the summer, might provide the platform he needs to reignite his career.

Chelsea’s squad depth and evolving tactical dynamics under Maresca have left little room for players like Chilwell to flourish. The club’s ambitions to rebuild and compete for major honors have seen younger, more versatile players take precedence. This reality leaves Chilwell as one of the likeliest candidates to depart in search of a new challenge.

The England defender’s plight raises broader questions about Chelsea’s squad management. While the club continues to invest heavily in new signings, players who were once key to their success now find themselves marginalized. Chilwell’s situation exemplifies the harsh realities of life at a top club, where competition for places is relentless.

Moreover, Chilwell’s future could also impact Chelsea’s January transfer strategy. With the club exploring potential defensive reinforcements, parting ways with the left-back might free up resources for Maresca to further shape the squad to his liking.

Speculation around Chilwell’s departure has already begun to attract attention from other clubs. Several Premier League sides are reportedly monitoring his situation, with a view to offering him a route back to regular first-team football.

As Chelsea prepares for a critical phase of the season, the club faces tough decisions regarding its squad. Chilwell’s future is just one of several dilemmas Maresca must address as he seeks to balance short-term results with long-term planning.

Ultimately, Chilwell’s legacy at Chelsea remains intact, with memorable contributions during his time at Stamford Bridge. However, both player and club now face the reality that their paths may need to diverge for mutual benefit.

For fans and pundits alike, Chilwell’s story serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of football at the highest level. While his Chelsea journey may be nearing its end, his next chapter promises to be equally compelling as he looks to reclaim his place among the Premier League’s top defenders.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Chelsea’s January transfer dealings, with Chilwell’s future a subplot in the broader narrative of the club’s rebuilding efforts under Maresca. Whether he stays or leaves, the decisions made this month will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his career and Chelsea’s season.