The West London club, who suffered a tormenting season in 2022/2023, has seen many players exit the club, with the likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovačić, N’Golo Kanté, Hakim Ziyech, Édouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly confirming as Chelsea departures in this summer transfer window.
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Chelsea Goes on Full Rebuild Mode
Despite splashing huge amount of cash in transfer windows since the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea Football Club only managed a 12th-placed finish in the English Premier League, a quarterfinal exit in the UEFA Champions League and two third-round departures in domestic cup competitions in the 2022/2023 Season. These poor performances ultimately led to the sacking of 48-year-old manager Graham Potter, followed by the appointment of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
With the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss now the new Chelsea gaffer, many players have been cleared to make way for new signings and rebuild processes, including these notable names:
6 Confirmed Chelsea Departures Thus Far:
Kai Havertz (Arsenal, £67.5 Million)
Havertz to Arsenal for £67.5 Million is set to be one of the most-talked about deals this summer. The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea in the 2020/2021 Season, registered 32 goals in 139 appearances for the Blues, and was part of the Chelsea squad that won UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. His versatility will certainly bring more attacking options to Mikel Arteta’s team, who was gassed in the battle of the Premier League title towards the end of last season.
Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City, £25 Million)
Following the exit of captain İlkay Gündoğan to Spanish La Liga giant Barcelona, Pep Guardiola’s squad needed a booster in its midfield for the upcoming season. The defending English league champion quickly signed Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić for £25 million at the start of the summer transfer window, with a quest to continue its domination in English and European football.
N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad, Free)
After enjoying successes with Leicester City and Chelsea, the Frenchman suffered a hamstring injury in the beginning of the previous season. The defensive midfielder was unable to discover his form in the poorly-managed Chelsea side and has decided to leave the club for newly-crowned Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad via a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Chelsea. This transfer will see Kanté being reunited with former France teammate and Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema at Jeddah.
Hakim Ziyech (Al-Nassr, £8 Million)
The 30-year-old Moroccan winger had 24 appearances in all competitions for the Blues last season, but was not able to register a single goal in those minutes given. The key member of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalist squad will be joining five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr, via an £8-million move.
Al Nassr have reached full verbal agreement with Hakim Ziyech pic.twitter.com/sSfkpiizRm
— Naija (@Naija_PR) June 21, 2023
Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli, £13 Million)
Prior to the 2022/2023 Season, the Senegal national team goalkeeper has been Chelsea’s starting goalie since his arrival to the club back in 2020. Nevertheless, injuries and poor form saw Mendy losing his Chelsea’s no. 1 shot stopper status to a rejuvenated Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 31-year-old player will leave the West London outfit and join Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ahli, with a transfer that will cost around £13 million.
Also Read: Spain Beat Croatia 5-4 on Penalties to Win the 2023 UEFA Nations League
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal, £17 Million)
Just a year after signing for Chelsea from Italian Serie A powerhouse Napoli on a four-year contract, the Senegal national team skipper is leaving the Blues for Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal. Prior to this £17-million transfer to the oil-rich region, the 32-year-old centre-back was wanted by Inter Milan through a loan move, in which Chelsea had rejected because the club only asked for a permanent deal for Koulibaly.
Is Mason Mount Joining Manchester United Soon?
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United is very keen to add 24-year-old central midfielder Mason Mount to its squad next season, and the Red Devils have recently submitted an official final bid for the England national team member. After the first two proposals have been turned down by Chelsea, it is reported that Manchester United has suggested a transfer fee of £55 million in its last deal for Mount. It will be up to Chelsea’s decision for the offer as the Red Side of Manchester is not considering to make another bid should the £55-million deal be rejected by the Blues.
Whether Chelsea will be accepting this final bid from Manchester United remains to be seen, but it is evident that the young midfield star wants a move away from the West London club and join his England peers such as Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford. Furthermore, Mount has sorted out the personal terms with the Manchester club and the deal will keep the 24-year-old at the club for a long time.
