Aside from the 2026 World Cup, the transfer window is closing in, and one of Xabi Alonso’s priorities will be finding a new left-sided winger. But Pedro Neto might just save BlueCo some cash.
Alonso has plenty to sort out when he takes office on July 1. Chelsea will be keen to sign a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a left-sided winger and competition for Joao Pedro. Replacements may also be required.
Anthony Gordon starred for England against Costa Rica but is no longer an option for Chelsea. Which left winger should we now sign? 🤔
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are expected to leave, and that means Chelsea would have to sign a left-back and a goalscoring midfielder. Failing to qualify for Europe will have hurt Chelsea’s budget.
Finding solutions internally will certainly help Alonso spend where he needs to spend, and Pedro Neto has just shown the new manager that he can be the man to solve Chelsea’s left-sided problems.
Pedro Neto shines in unfamiliar role with Portugal
Neto starred for Portugal on Wednesday night, ending his four-month goal drought with Portugal’s first goal in a 2-1 win over Nigeria. The £54m star’s last goals came when he scored a hat-trick against Hull.
Receiving the ball from Man United’s Diego Dalot, Neto swiftly shifted the ball onto his stronger left foot and fired an effort into the far corner from 12 yards. A smart finish in what was an impressive display.
It came after Roberto Martinez started Neto on the left wing, with Chelsea target Rafael Leao suspended after a red card against Chile. It was only a brief outing, but Neto proved he can shine on the left flank.
Ever since he arrived at Chelsea, Neto has largely been used as a right-sided winger. But with Chelsea keen to sign a left-winger this summer, Neto has just shown Alonso and BlueCo he can be that man.
Why Chelsea need to find a solution on the left flank
Going into 2025-26, there was plenty of hype. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens had arrived at Chelsea for the combined fee of almost £100m. But a year on, neither have proved their transfer fee.
PREDICTION: Which Chelsea player do you think will have the BEST World Cup?👀
Mamadou Sarr is being slept on…
Indeed, both could even leave Stamford Bridge ahead of the new season. Garnacho has failed to show why Chelsea spent £40m on him, and his concerns regarding attitude and body language were evident.
Gittens has endured hamstring hell over the last few months. A new left-sided option is required, but Neto has often been the man on the right. However, Geovany Quenda is joining, and Estevao is fit again.
It makes moving Neto to the left flank an easy alternative. He has shown he can do it, and it would save the owners some cash. If Chelsea need a solution on the left, Neto can be that man come next season.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
