There were many sources of frustration for Chelsea last season. But a major one was at centre-back, and on far too many occasions, Wesley Fofana was to blame.
Rewind four years and Fofana was joining Chelsea from Leicester City in a deal north of £70m. A real signal of intent from Chelsea’s new owners, signing arguably the Premier League’s best young defender.
What do you make of Wesley Fofana in a Chelsea shirt? Is he good enough?🤔
But it has been a dismal four years for Fofana. A long-term knee injury didn’t help, but the fact of the matter is, Fofana has not been able to prove his transfer fee, which has weighed heavily on his shoulders.
This summer, Xabi Alonso will have to sort out Chelsea’s options at centre-back. Currently, there are 10 senior options, and that’s far too much, even if Chelsea had qualified for Europe – which they haven’t.
Chelsea’s stance on Wesley Fofana is the wrong one
Alonso might be best served removing four or even five of those players. Axel Disasi will certainly leave, while Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile struggled to play regularly last season.
Then there is Trevoh Chalobah, who has interest from Como and has just two years left on his contract. Chelsea will want to keep untouchables Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong, as well as Jorrel Hato.
That leaves Fofana in between. But with Chelsea wanting to bring in another defender, the Blues have to cut their losses and make Fofana available this summer. BBC Sport says they aren’t looking to sell him.
At least, they are not pushing him towards an exit or are encouraging offers. But they really should, if his form in 2025-26 is anything to go by, let alone his attitude off the pitch in the second half of the season.
Fofana’s commitment to Chelsea seems to be lacking
His omission from France’s World Cup squad will make it clear to Fofana that he himself will consider an exit. The move to Stamford Bridge has not worked, and it’s almost as if Fofana wants to depart.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
His laughing and joking with Ousmane Dembele, his storming off the pitch after the 1-0 loss to Man United, and his off-the-pitch antics clearly show it is something Alonso won’t want in the dressing room.
Fofana has been offered to Barcelona, with Chelsea requiring a £30m fee to avoid a book loss. If they receive offers in that region, then they have to cash in. The chances are, they will have to sell for less.
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