But who else will be parting ways with the club over the course of the summer? Given the number of players out on loan, those reaching the latter stages of their career and those who Mourinho simply doesn’t rate, we can expect to see several others leave over the summer.
Starting at the back, third choice goalkeeper Henrique Hilario now 39 years old really should be moved on, especially with the Under 21 Leagues winning ‘keeper Jamal Blackman waiting in the wings. I would expect ‘Big Blacks’ to be at least Chelsea’s third choice next season it being that he has been part of the first team squad this season. Talking of old ‘keepers, Chelsea’s second choice Mark Schwarzer is three years older than Hilario, and he too must make way for younger options. To be fair to Schwarzer, when called upon this season, predominantly at the end of the Premier League and Champions’ League campaigns, performed admirably in Cech’s absence due to injury. But surely it has to be “thanks for your contribution, and off you go!”
This seems more pertinent when considering the potentially thorny issue of bringing back Thibaut Courtois from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid. Many believe that
The defence has been the most effective and stable element in the Chelsea side this season. In typical Mourinho style, he works from back to front and makes sure that he has a solid foundation from which to build his sides. He has certainly achieved that this season with the regular back five being Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill and the outstanding Cesar Azpilicueta. It is the back up to these players that beg one or two questions. Chelsea are rumoured to be looking for a left back which no doubt prompted Cole to leave. I am not convinced that they will waste time in a bidding war for the overpriced Luke Shaw, but may well look to Spain or Portugal for a replacement. That would be a shame as many believe that on-loan Patrick Van Aanholt or Ryan Bertrand would be able to do the job of understudy to Azpilicueta. If Chelsea buys then either one or both of these youngsters could be moved on.
On loan Kurt Zouma is expected to join next season having remained on loan at his former club this season. He has massive potential, and it being that he was bought in January, presumably on the say so of Mourinho, it should mean that he is in Jose’s plans for next season. Tomas Kalas who is currently ahead of Zouma in the back-up central defenders pecking order will also hopefully be retained and given more opportunities after his superb debut against Liverpool. With these two in pole position it could mean that players such as the promising Kenneth Omeruo and Nathan Chalobah may be moved on, especially if the formers agent persists with the demand of a 100% pay raise for his player.
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Many would believe that John Mikel Obi has no future at Chelsea, although a player signed when Jose Mourinho was in his first spell at the club. Since the Special One’s return however, Mikel has spent much of the season on the bench, and his role was further diminished by the arrival of the excellent Nemanja Matic. It may be that Mikel’s perceived sluggishness on the ball could spell the end of his Chelsea career as Mourinho looks to inject some pace in to defensive midfield. Galatasaray and Inter Milan are rumoured to be interested in Mikel and he could well leave, especially if Mourinho buys in another defensive midfielder. I would prefer to see Mikel stay, even if it means he becomes a squad player. He is underrated and misunderstood by many Chelsea supporters but has great experience and there are few players better than Mikel at coming on and shutting a game down when necessary. But with Lampard set to stay, and Marco Van Ginkel waiting in the wings, and Ramires seemingly a Mourinho favourite this season, it could be adios Mikel.
In some respects Ramires should be more vulnerable. He looks a shadow of the player he was two years ago, has a woeful first touch and is inconsistent with his passing and careless when in possession. He also appears to be a square peg in a round hole, and after four years at the club it is still unclear what his best position is. Add to that his frequent indiscipline – something which arguably cost Chelsea the title this season – it would be no surprise to see him go.
Of course most supporters will presume that the bulk of the departures from Chelsea will be the strikers. Samuel Eto’o has already finished the first leg of his farewell world
And that just leaves the enigma that is strawberry syrup connoisseur Demba Ba. Ba scored some important goals toward the end of the season, having been largely derided and ignored for most of it. But he never complained and endeared himself to the Chelsea support with his professional attitude and he did the business when it mattered. For all that though, he will surely be on his way out, hopefully to be replaced by Romelu Lukaku who, had Ba agreed to leave last August, would surely have been a better bet as Chelsea’s third striker.
First published in the International Business Times