Thomas Tuchel has given every single player in his first team squad a clean slate, and you’d imagine that sentiment extends to any on-loan players as well.
This is good news for some, whilst not such good news for others. Some who have been regulars under Frank Lampard, might now see their game time drop under Tuchel and all of a sudden futures are under threat.
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The fact is, Tuchel has MANY very big transfer decisions to make this summer, with contracts running down and a very big squad to trim – here is a list of 14 players that he will need to make decisions on very soon.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
So far, Tuchel has also opted for Edouard Mendy just like Lampard did. You’d fully expect Tuchel to ask the board to sanction a move for the Spaniard this summer, as Lampard also did.
Marc Guehi
Impressing massively this season at Swansea in a back three, meaning that Tuchel will surely at least be looking at him for next season. He has a chance, but another loan move at a higher level is most likely.
Ethan Ampadu
As with Guehi, Ampadu has started to shine in a back three, finally nailing down a regular position rather than switching between there and the midfield. I think he would suit Tuchel’s football well, so I think this situation is one to keep a close eye on this summer.
Andreas Christensen
Not selected in Tuchel’s first two games, nor was he under Lampard. Speaks volumes? Surely on his way out the door this summer.
Antonio Rudiger
The rebirth is well under way, it started under Lampard and continues under Tuchel. His contract is running out fast though, so whether he goes or stays is something that needs to be decided on soon. Tuchel seems to like him a lot on and off the pitch, so maybe he now stays?
Kurt Zouma
Would never have been on this list just one week ago, and of course things can still change, but right now he is not a first pick for Tuchel at the back. This wont sit well with him unless he is a regular starter, so he could ask to leave, but only if he continues not to play.
Marcos Alonso
Like with Rudiger, Alonso looks to have been given the kiss of life by Tuchel in his Chelsea career. Started and scored against Burnley on Sunday, suited to play left wing-back, maybe he now stays at the club if Tuchel fancies him over Chilwell?
Emerson Palmieri
He was second choice left back under Lampard, but still looking like he was on his way out the door in the summer, and the case remains the same still.
Jorginho
Rated by Tuchel, under rated by too many? Perhaps. Jorginho always looked like he would be returning to Italy in the summer, but just like with Zouma, this will depend on his game time from now until the end of the season – and Tuchel has A LOT of midfielders at his disposal, so we will see.
Billy Gilmour
Tuchel blocked a loan move for him last week, wanting to take a closer look at the young Scot and willing to give him chances to play. I think Gilmour is so good that he plays his way into this Chelsea team.
Ross Barkley
Having a decent season at Aston Villa, he is quick, direct, and has a goal threat. All the traits that Tuchel likes. But has he done enough to get on the radar of Tuchel? I think only time will tell and will depend on his form from now until the end of the season. Chelsea probably cash-in this summer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Similar to Barkley, Loftus-Cheek has from now until the summer to play his way into the plans of Tuchel, who will know all about him already having watched Chelsea closely for many years. He is technically brilliant, strong, tall, creates, scores, and a top class all-round midfielder. We will see.
Olivier Giroud
Surely off in the summer, his contract is up and I feel this love affair will finally be over.
Tammy Abraham
I’ve put him on this list purely because he has had an offer of a new contract on the table for sometime now and although there is no rush, he has hardly been quick to sign it. I think he would still rather be the main go-to man up top, and with reports of Chelsea looking at Erling Haaland, I am not so sure what the future holds with Abraham.
