Predictions
Chelsea could look to offload several players during the January transfer window as Enzo Maresca seeks to streamline his squad and raise funds for potential reinforcements.
As many as six players could depart Stamford Bridge next month, with the Blues preparing for the business end of the season across domestic and European competitions.
A Promising Campaign Despite Setbacks
Chelsea’s season has been encouraging, even if it hasn’t been without setbacks.
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A devastating ACL injury to Levi Colwill in the first week of pre-season threatened to derail defensive plans, but Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have stepped up admirably in his absence.
In attack, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap both missed significant portions of the opening months through injury, while disciplinary issues also played a part — most notably Moisés Caicedo’s red card, which ruled him out of three key festive fixtures.
Despite those hurdles, Chelsea have climbed both the Premier League and Champions League tables. Now, Maresca will be looking to push on in the new year — but first, some difficult squad decisions must be made.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin has endured a disappointing start to life at Chelsea.
The 28-year-old started just three of eight matches during one spell, with the Blues conceding nine goals, eight of which came when he was in the starting line-up. He was also at fault in the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in October and the 3-0 loss to Leeds United in December.
With around two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract and having joined on a free transfer in 2024, any sale would represent pure profit on Chelsea’s books.
Benoît Badiashile
Badiashile’s future is less clear-cut.
The 24-year-old has shown genuine quality when fit — notably playing a key role in the 2-1 win over Liverpool in October — but persistent fitness issues have hindered his progress since arriving from Monaco for £35 million in January 2023.
With Fofana and Chalobah now Maresca’s preferred pairing, Josh Acheampong pushing for minutes, and Colwill expected back in the summer, Badiashile could find his path to regular football increasingly blocked.
Facundo Buonanotte
Buonanotte has barely featured this season.
Signed on loan from Brighton late in the summer as emergency cover for Palmer, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled to gain Maresca’s trust. Instead, the Chelsea boss has often opted to use Enzo Fernández in a more advanced role.
With no option to buy included in the deal, neither Chelsea nor Buonanotte may see much benefit in forcing a fit that hasn’t quite worked.
Filip Jorgensen
Jorgensen’s situation reflects Chelsea’s stability in goal.
The 23-year-old has been limited to fringe involvement due to Robert Sánchez’s excellent form, with the Spaniard now challenging David Raya for the Golden Glove.
With Denmark potentially heading into World Cup play-offs early next year, Jorgensen will want regular minutes to strengthen his case for selection, having made his international debut in June but not featured since.
A January move could appeal to all parties.
Axel Disasi
Disasi will be hoping for a fresh start — likely away from Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old was told he could leave in the summer, but no move materialised. He was subsequently informed he was no longer part of Maresca’s first-team plans and trained separately at Cobham.
After impressing behind the scenes, Disasi began featuring for the development squad in November, but a permanent exit still looks the most realistic outcome.
Raheem Sterling
Like Disasi, Raheem Sterling faces an uncertain future.
The 31-year-old winger was exiled from the first-team squad after failing to secure a move away in the summer. With around 18 months left on his contract, Chelsea may see January as a final opportunity to reduce their wage bill and move on a player no longer central to their plans.
Final Word
Chelsea’s January window is shaping up to be one of calculated exits rather than headline arrivals.
By trimming the squad and raising funds, Maresca can create room — financially and tactically — for targeted reinforcements that strengthen Chelsea’s push for silverware in the second half of the season.
Difficult decisions lie ahead, but they may be necessary for the Blues to take the next step.
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