Chelsea are yet to do any business in the transfer window, with Xabi Alonso officially set to start work as Blues manager on July 1, but he has now been urged to reunite with a Liverpool player.
The Blues are expected to try to bring in some experienced players this summer. Behdad Eghbali has spoken about BlueCo learning from their previous mistakes, and the need for leadership is obvious.
Xabi Alonso has his SEVEN Chelsea ‘untouchables’ 👀
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- Reece James
- Cole Palmer
- Joao Pedro
- Estevao Willian
- Moises Caicedo
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
Alonso will be hoping to replicate his success at Bayer Leverkusen when he takes over at Chelsea. It is still unclear what formation Alonso is going to use, but if he mirrors his Leverkusen system, it will be 3-4-2-1.
In such a system, Alonso relied upon his wing-backs, who ultimately proved to be wide attackers. On the left, Alejandro Grimaldo was incredible during 2023-24, and on the right, Jeremie Frimpong sparkled.
Gaizka Mendieta thinks Jeremie Frimpong could join Chelsea
Netherlands international Frimpong caught the eye when he made the bold move to swap Man City for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers. His form in Scotland earned him a move to German giants Leverkusen.
In the Bundesliga, Frimpong was sensational. During that 2023-24 season under Alonso, he had a hand in 26 goals in 47 games under the Chelsea boss. In 190 Leverkusen games, he totalled 74 goals and assists.
But his move to Liverpool has not gone to plan. Injuries and being used as an actual right-back have not suited the Dutchman following his £30m move. Gaizka Mendieta thinks Chelsea could sign Frimpong.
Mendieta told Grosvenor Sport, who have doubled their World Cup odds on England, that Alonso may look to reunite with Frimpong: “Jeremie Frimpong could be a good asset for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
“Managers have players they trust from previous clubs, and there will be a belief from the player that they can find that form again. We often see players reuniting with former coaches for that reason,” he said.
“Especially if things aren’t going well for those players like Frimpong at Liverpool. It’s a way of getting them back to form, hoping you can get the maximum out of the player and help you win things.
“I’m sure Chelsea will be active again in the market, they have to let players leave and bring new players in to suit the new coach,” Mendieta concluded, suggesting Frimpong as a possible arrival at Chelsea.
Why Frimpong joining Chelsea under Alonso makes sense
If Alonso is going to use his Leverkusen system at Chelsea, which he should given its past success, then he needs some quick, fleet-footed wing-backs. Frimpong would arrive knowing exactly what’s required.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
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His Liverpool spell has not gone to plan, but that is partly on Slot, and partly on injuries. Working under Alonso again would get the best out of him. Certainly, in that role, he is an improvement on Malo Gusto.
Getting Frimpong in would allow Reece James to play in midfield, or even on the right of a back three. Less explosive positions that might actually allow James to remain fit. Alonso thinks Frimpong is “special”.
It makes sense, not least for Frimpong but for Alonso and his Chelsea teammates. Given his poor season, Chelsea might be able to get Frimpong for a knock-off fee below what the Reds paid. A possible bargain.
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