All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Enzo Fernandez, Liam Rosenior’s sacking and the race to appoint a new manager.
Chelsea set to explore managerial candidates
Several of Chelsea’s rumoured new managerial candidates have made their stance clear in light of Liam Rosenior’s sacking this week.
Among the options, Edin Terzic was believed to high on Chelsea’s shortlist but the former Dortmund boss is now believed to be in pole position to take over at Athletic Bilbao, according to reports in Spain.
Similarly, Andoni Iraola, who will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, is also a favourite for the role but the Spaniard is said to need convincing to take the job, BBC reporter Sami Mokbel has claimed.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is also in contention for the role but he is said to be committed to current club Como, while the likes of Xavi and Filipe Luis are also among the candidates.
Chelsea players want ‘big character’ manager
Chelsea’s players are believed to want their new manager to be a big character who can command respect in the dressing room, according to the Guardian.
It is claimed that the players felt Rosenior was too inexperienced for the job despite being considered a ‘good person’, with complaints over ‘too many one-to-one meetings’ and being regarded as an ‘awkward communicator’.
The squad’s Spanish speakers in particular were singled out as being ‘particularly lukewarm’ on Rosenior, with many making it clear that they missed his predecessor Enzo Maresca.
However, Telegraph Sport reported that players who liked Rosenior felt some of their team-mates downed tools under him amid a belief there are conflicting views within the group.
Chelsea directors ‘safe’ as players ‘laugh off’ threats from club
Chelsea’s five sporting directors are believed to be ‘safe’ in their roles despite the search for a sixth permanent manager in four years.
The Guardian report that the Chelsea board ‘retain the support’ of the owners and that the problems stem more from not hiring a more experienced coach capable of handling a young dressing room.
Similarly, the Telegraph claim that Chelsea’s squad ‘would laugh off’ any attempt of a dressing down from the club’s senior figures after their decline in recent months.
“Some of them would just laugh,” said the source, when asked how players would react to a rollicking from the owners. “Maybe not in front of them, but away from them.
“They’ve heard and seen it all about supporting managers and doing this and doing that. It’s got to the stage where some of them would just laugh.”
Terry admits Chelsea ‘frustrations’
Chelsea legend and former captain John Terry confirmed he was not asked to be part of interim coach Calum McFarlane’s backroom staff and admitted he was frustrated by the situation.
“‘I sit here worrying tonight about what is going to happen with our football club,” Terry said on social media on Wednesday. “Looking at us needing a manager after the weekend, I’m not sure when ownership are going to make a decision and bring a new manager in.
“Is a real top manager going to come to Chelsea Football Club at the moment in the position we are in? Can’t buy players, looking like we are going to have to sell potentially and that will be our best players, which is always tough.
“We will not be playing in European football, I hope I am wrong. Really, really frustrated and worried more importantly. I feel the anger, feel the frustration of the Chelsea supporters.”
“I am not sure what Calum’s backroom staff is going to look like, I have not had a call, I have not had a message. I will be continuing my role in the academy, I will be in the academy tomorrow, a big couple of games coming up.”
Man City consider Fernandez move
Manchester City have added Chelsea superstar Enzo Fernandez to their list of midfield transfer targets ahead of the upcoming summer window.
The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge departure in recent months and he dropped several exit hints during the March international break, fuelling speculation of a move to Real Madrid.
In addition to Real, Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for Fernandez in recent weeks, while Man City have joined the race for his signature too, as per The Athletic.
It’s reported that Pep Guardiola’s side are “considering” a move for Fernandez this summer, although their interest is currently only in its infancy.
Football transfer news headlines today
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Chelsea Transfer News Today: Rosenior sacked as €60m clause to be triggered
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Real Madrid move confirmed as Rashford saga takes new twist
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