The issue with signing so many young players is that pathways into the first team get blocked, and that allows other clubs to swoop in. That could be the case at Chelsea this summer.
Jesse Derry is a rare example of a young winger making it into the first team at Chelsea. But Derry’s Premier League debut, which was cut short due to a head injury, only came about due to a winger crisis.
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Indeed, Derry started for Chelsea in the defeat to Nottingham Forest towards the end of the season due to Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao, Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens all being sidelined through their injuries.
This summer, Geovany Quenda will join Chelsea while Neto, Estevao, Gittens and Garnacho are all set to be fit to start next season – if they remain at Chelsea. But for Chelsea’s academy wingers, there’s no hope.
Newcastle, Bournemouth and Everton eye Chelsea 18-year-old
For the likes of Sol Gordon, trying to break into the Chelsea first team is almost an impossibility. Now 18, Gordon has been impressing in Chelsea’s academy sides for a while. Last term, he had a hand in 19 goals.
Gordon has already played more than 50 games for Chelsea’s U18 side. He even made his Premier League 2 debut last season and scored in a 5-0 win over Blackburn, after 28 goals and assists in 52 U18 outings.
Despite his numbers, Gordon’s chances of a senior call-up are almost nil. According to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke has posted on X that Bournemouth, Newcastle and Everton are looking to take advantage.
O’Rourke said: “Newcastle, Everton and Bournemouth are keeping tabs on Chelsea youngster Sol Gordon as they weigh up moves for the attacker. Gordon, 18, is entering the final year of his contract at Chelsea.”
Xabi Alonso has to step in and stop the academy exodus
If Chelsea are not careful, losing the likes of Gordon is going to become a regular thing. Leo Castledine starred on loan at Huddersfield and was sold to Middlesbrough in January, without ever getting a chance.
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That will continue to happen unless Alonso can convince Chelsea’s youngsters that he is willing to give them a chance, and that there is a path into the senior side. It might even be too late for teen Gordon.
With his contract expiring next summer, Chelsea may be forced to sell this summer to get any kind of a fee for his services. Gordon’s stance is unclear, but he may avoid a deal due to a lack of opportunity.
If Alonso can convince the likes of Gordon that he will give them a chance and it is a realistic chance, then they may choose to remain. But that is a big task and one Alonso must approach in the right manner.
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