As the year gradually comes to an end, managers and fans will have an eye on the not so popular winter transfer window. It is a window that is much loathed by mid-table teams because they stand a chance of losing prize players who suddenly discover that their existence itself rests upon playing in the almighty Champions League, and when they leave they create a not so easy to fill vacuum.
At Chelsea, however, there’s no such fear, the big teams only have to fear paying over the top for players who might struggle to settle in or players who are cup tied for non-league competitions. Several websites and blogs have gone over the top linking us to several players, the recent one a bit ridiculous, a €30 million move for Juventus’ utility player – Kwadwo Asamoah, he wouldn’t be a bad addition as he is a very good player with an enormous engine but he just got operated on recently and will be out for months.
Here are some of the possible moves as purported in the media:
Anderson Talisca: It was reported that Chelsea attempted to sign him last summer but the deal fell through because of work permit issues. He went to Benfica instead and has been an absolute gem, moving into double figures within months. Mourinho made nice comments about him in the summer and Chelsea has been scouting him since then. He carries a £35 million buy out clause but the relationship with Benfica recently might come in handy.
Andrej Kramaric: The 23 year old Croatian has been in the spotlight lately, his impressive haul of 21 goals in 18 appearances turning the heads of many a big teams in Europe, it was partly due to the fact that his contract was about to run out. The contract has been renewed, to make any potential sale easier. The prize touted around lies between €10 – €15, a bit attractive having one eye on the FFP. There will be a vacancy in the striking department this summer so this one is a bit plausible. Work Permit isn’t an issue too as he is a full international.
Koke: This is a bit on the ludicrous side, and the player’s buy-out clause is over €50 million. Atletico Madrid are still reeling over losing Diego Costa and Felipe Luis and they are still in the Champions league and La Liga race. A mid season sale of their key midfielder doesn’t really make much sense. Really won’t mind him at the Bridge. Though it’s unlikely.
Outs:
Fernando Torres: The Club announced that Torres will be leaving for AC Milan officially and the deal will be completed as soon as the transfer window opens officially, he is rumored to be going back to his childhood team Atletico Madrid where he will link up with former team mate Diego Simeone. Adios Fernando, glad to have you off the wage bill. Thanks for the memories.
Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian Messi, as described by his admirers has failed to make any noteworthy mark since he moved in about a year ago, replacing the petulant Kevin DeBruyne. He has been linked with moves to several clubs but one to Spartak Moscow is most likely as his Coach at former Club FC Basel now manages the team and recently said: “I’ll do whatever it takes to get Salah in the team, even if I have to beg for it.”. He is also admired keenly by Roberto Mancini of Inter Milan, Sunderland and Everton.
Petr Cech: The reliable custodian is obviously not relishing sitting on the bench regularly and his agent recently revealed he has a plethora of suitors which include continental giants Real Madrid, AS Roma and Liverpool. A move to French powerhouse PSG is also possible. A loan move is just as unlikely as a permanent one as Mourinho intends to keep him at the club. However, anything is possible.
If Chelsea get Koke then Mikel should be the going out instead of Cech.
l second.Mikel is a bad product to the team.Koke will add more quality than Mikel cos Mikel is too slow on the ball and moving forward with the ball.
honestly i jst cant figure out d reason why Jose is still keeping mikel at chelsea. he is jst a failure since joining chelsea & should b sold
Salah will be a hit at Chelsea if given opportunity to shine as was given to schurrle. He is a better dribbler, passer, creator of chances, and even faster than schurrle.