Newly appointed Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior, has committed to addressing the uncertain futures of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. The duo has been sidelined as part of the so-called 'bomb squad', training separately from the main squad.
Rosenior, a 41-year-old Englishman who succeeded Enzo Maresca last week, is navigating an extensive task list after his mid-season transfer from Strasbourg. Notably, Strasbourg shares ownership with Chelsea. One of his top priorities is to engage with Sterling and Disasi. Both players joined during the 2023-24 season for £47.5m and £38.5m respectively but have since found themselves on the transfer list.
Potential moves for Sterling and Disasi
Sterling has piqued interest from Napoli while Roma and Lyon are considering a move for Disasi. However, due to Fifa's rules limiting overseas loans to six players per club, Chelsea would need to cancel an existing loan deal before either player could be transferred temporarily.
Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior, said:
"I will have conversations with them. We're in January, as you know. Raheem's had an outstanding career. I've got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I've really, really liked as a player for a long time.
"Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. I'm being genuinely honest. I literally have got to work through a list of priorities. I will do in the next few days."
Despite typically being active in every transfer window, Chelsea's January dealings have been slow following their managerial changeover. Insiders maintain that while Rosenior will now contribute to discussions about transfers following Maresca's abrupt exit due to disagreements with management.
Liam Rosenior added:
"The first conversation I had with the guys [the club's hierarchy] was I want to assess the most important players, which are the ones who are here. Normally you get good surprises if you give people a chance. I had some really, really good surprises in the game against Charlton. Yes, we're in January, and yes, we want the club to be as successful as possible in the short term.
"But I also think sometimes the answers lie within the building and not outside. So I'll make a decision on that with the guys. Probably later in the week when I've seen everyone."
Chelsea plans more significant signings in summer when preferred targets are likely available. High-quality attackers top their priority list as evidenced by their brief consideration of Antoine Semenyo before he signed with Manchester City. Other potential targets include Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet; Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz; St Etienne striker Djylian N'Guessan, a target for sister club Strasbourg; and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo. Chelsea may also consider midfield options if Romeo Lavia continues to struggle with injury.
Academy graduates & loan players
Academy graduate Tyrique George is available for sale or loan after his £22m summer move to Fulham fell through on deadline day. Meanwhile, back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is currently assessing his options and would need replacing if he leaves.
Chelsea has high regard for players currently away on loan, such as Aaron Anselmino at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg trio Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez. The latter three have previously played under Rosenior in France. The west London club must maintain a "positive transfer balance" due to substantial Uefa restrictions this January. These restrictions will lift next season when the Premier League introduces new Squad Cost Control ratio rules that are less restrictive than current Profit and Sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Despite these constraints, Chelsea has already lined up several players for next season including Sporting winger Geovany Quenda; Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha; Kairat forward Dastan Satapayev; Corinthians left-back Denner Evangelista; and defender Deinner Ordonez from Independiente del Valle who will join in January 2028.
