Chelsea’s January transfer activity has left fans and analysts questioning the club’s squad depth and its ability to continue performing well under manager Enzo Maresca. Despite claims that this window would mark the end of the club’s two-year phase of constant squad changes, Chelsea made no significant additions. There was speculation about new signings, including a brief interest in Marc Guehi and a serious attempt to sign Alejandro Garnacho, but nothing came to fruition.
In the end, Chelsea’s only movements were the loan recall of Trevor Chalobah and the signing of teenage midfielder Mathis Amougou from Saint-Étienne, which has yet to be officially announced. Chelsea also brought back Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors, both players seen as future prospects. Meanwhile, departures were more notable, with Cesare Casadei and Harvey Vale leaving permanently, and Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Joao Felix all securing loan moves, with Felix’s move to AC Milan still pending confirmation.
The transfer window was quiet, with Chelsea spending its final day rearranging assets. This included recalling David Fofana and Caleb Wiley to free up international loan slots. However, despite all the movement, one might wonder if Chelsea’s decision not to further strengthen could leave Maresca short-handed in key areas, particularly with the upcoming busy fixture list in the second half of the season.
Chelsea’s squad still appears strong by most standards, but a closer examination of the departures shows the club has let go of players who, though not regulars, made significant contributions. The seven senior players who left made a combined 84 appearances in the first half of the season and contributed to 24 goals. While many of these appearances were in lesser competitions like the Conference League, they were still crucial in providing rest for first-team players between league games.
Since the Conference League group stage concluded in mid-December, Chelsea’s form has dipped. They have won only two of their last eight league matches, a sharp contrast to their strong start to the season. Monday’s 2-1 win over West Ham was a vital morale booster, but there’s growing concern about the team’s depth moving forward.
There are factors that could help offset the loss of these players. Academy graduates Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have stepped up, and Reece James is finally fit after spending much of the first half of the season sidelined. However, depending on James to remain fit for the rest of the season is a risk due to his injury history. With Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile expected to return from injury, the squad numbers should increase, but it’s clear Maresca is still working with a squad that is stretched in certain areas.
Chelsea’s squad remains one of the most talented in the league, but questions persist about its ability to rotate players effectively during the busy second half of the season. Maresca still has enough depth to rotate, but with the squad now thinner in some areas, it remains uncertain if the manager can continue his extensive rotation strategy once the European knockout stages begin next month.
Midfield is an area of concern. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are the primary options in the center of the park, but the club has few reliable alternatives behind them. Romeo Lavia’s injury issues are well-known, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has had his own injury struggles, now seems to be the only viable backup. While Maresca has praised Dewsbury-Hall’s versatility, he has also stated that the midfielder isn’t best suited for deeper roles. The lack of cover in midfield could become a significant problem as the season progresses.
In attack, Chelsea may be short on bodies. While players like George and Marc Guiu are being tipped for larger roles, much of the team’s attacking depth still relies on the performances of experienced players such as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku is now considered the backup to Palmer at the No.10 position, but his form has been inconsistent, raising concerns about whether he can step up when needed.
Despite these concerns, Chelsea is still in a strong position. Their recent win over West Ham pushed them back into the top four, and Maresca remains confident in the squad’s overall quality. However, as injuries accumulate and fixture congestion intensifies, the depth of Chelsea’s squad will face a significant test. Whether the club has enough strength to compete in both the Premier League and European competitions remains uncertain, but for now, their risky transfer strategy could have consequences in the latter part of the season.
In conclusion, while Chelsea’s squad is still one of the most talented in the Premier League, their choice to not make major signings in January could leave them exposed in key areas. As the season continues, Enzo Maresca will need to carefully manage the squad to avoid burnout and injuries, particularly in midfield and attack. With European football approaching and a top-four finish still the club’s main goal, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Chelsea’s squad depth is sufficient to maintain their early-season success.
