Xabi Alonso could now be forced into sale that will really frustrate Chelsea fans
Throughout the BlueCo era, Chelsea fans have been forced to watch their club sell academy products for the benefit of Financial Fair Play. Now, they might have to watch another depart.
Mason Mount, Lewis Hall, Conor Gallagher and plenty of others have been sold during the BlueCo era. Players produced by the club’s own academy generate pure profit in the eyes of Financial Fair Play.
Ironically, Chelsea are trying to sign Hall back from Newcastle, two years after his £28m loan move was turned permanent in 2024. Chelsea are closing in on a £117m deal for Morgan Rogers with others eyed.
Who would you rather Chelsea sign, John Stones or Maxence Lacroix?
John Stones, Maxence Lacroix, Jacobo Ramon, Pep Chavarria, Archie Brown and Alvaro Carreras have all been linked with the Blues in recent days. In terms of outgoings, many are still expected after four sales.
But Chelsea and Xabi Alonso could now be forced into a sale the Spaniard won’t have wanted to make. With Chelsea keen to sign two centre-backs, the follow-on effect is going to impact the current squad.
He won’t want to, but Alonso may have to sell Acheampong
Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile could all leave. Newcastle United and Napoli want to sign the latter this summer.
But even if all seven of those leave, Chelsea still have Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong as well as two possible centre-back signings and Reece James, who could play on the right of a three-man defence.
Chelsea are ‘one step away’ from signing Lacroix from Palace for £60m, and Stones could join as well. It leaves Acheampong at the bottom of the pile when it comes to defenders Chelsea actually want to keep.
Acheampong has earned plenty of interest over the last 12 months from clubs including Bayern Munich, Man City and even Crystal Palace. But Chelsea regard Acheampong as one of their seven ‘untouchables’.
But, Kieran Gill states Acheampong wants game time, and Chelsea want two defenders. If Lacroix and Stones join, then Alonso may be forced into a tricky decision – and that is to sell Acheampong.
Gill reported: “Mention Josh Acheampong in here. Viewed as a CB by Chelsea. But they are trying to add another one of those, possibly two, in this window. The 20yo academy graduate wants game time.”
Chelsea have 10 centre-backs – who are YOU getting rid of? ❌
Colwill and Acheampong are ‘untouchable’.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
Selling Acheampong will not go down well with Chelsea fans
As mentioned, Chelsea’s owners have forsaken the feelings of fans to offload the players that resonate the most with the supporters. Mount was a fan favourite, and supporters loved Gallagher’s work rate.
There is ill-feeling there, and selling Acheampong will make that a whole lot worse. Alonso needs to give Acheampong game time and while the need for experience is crucial, Acheampong deserves a chance.
Without Europe, that is going to be difficult. Colwill starts regardless and the additions of Stones and Lacroix would make Acheampong fourth choice if all the other centre-back options are sold this summer.
It is a tricky decision. Acheampong wants game time and has the interest to back that up, but Chelsea need the experience. Ultimately, Alonso may be forced into making a decision he does not want to make.
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