Chelsea’s squad overhaul under the ownership of Todd Boehly has led to a bloated roster that has made it increasingly difficult for some players to secure regular game time. With the club’s constant influx of new signings and a revolving door of managerial changes, several experienced players now find themselves on the fringes of the squad, unable to break into the starting XI. As Chelsea gears up for the January transfer window, these players will likely be looking for a fresh start, whether through loan moves or permanent transfers, to revive their careers.
Among the players who could benefit most from a move away from Stamford Bridge are Ben Chilwell, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Tosin Adarabioyo. Despite their potential and past performances, all three have found themselves struggling for consistent minutes and may see January as an opportunity to rediscover form elsewhere.
Ben Chilwell’s Decline
Ben Chilwell, once considered a cornerstone of Chelsea’s defense, has experienced a rapid fall from grace under current manager Enzo Maresca. The 28-year-old left-back, who played an instrumental role in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League triumph, has found himself on the sidelines this season. After a promising start at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell has been limited to just one appearance in the current campaign, with no inclusion in the Premier League or Conference League squads. This lack of game time has led to speculation that clubs across England, and even abroad, are circling for the experienced full-back.
Chilwell’s defensive solidity, his overlapping runs down the left flank, and his ability to deliver in key moments make him an attractive prospect for potential suitors. At this stage of his career, Chilwell will likely be seeking a move where he can play regularly and regain the consistency that made him one of the Premier League’s top left-backs. A January departure from Chelsea could be exactly what he needs to revive his career and secure the minutes he craves.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s Struggles
After making a £30 million move from Leicester City in July, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had high hopes of making an immediate impact at Chelsea. Having worked under Maresca during his time at Leicester, the 26-year-old was expected to be a key part of Chelsea’s midfield. However, his dream of breaking into the first team has quickly turned into a nightmare.
Dewsbury-Hall has found himself relegated to the fringes of the squad, with the majority of his appearances coming in the Conference League and Carabao Cup. His five substitute appearances in the Premier League are far from the role he envisioned when making the move to Stamford Bridge. Despite limited minutes, Dewsbury-Hall has shown glimpses of his quality, notably scoring two goals in the Conference League, but it hasn’t been enough to secure a regular starting role.
For Dewsbury-Hall, a move away from Chelsea in January could be his best chance to recapture the form that earned him the big-money transfer. A loan or permanent move to a club where he can play regularly would allow him to build on his talents and make a push for an England call-up. The situation mirrors the plight of former Chelsea player Danny Drinkwater, who saw his career stall after a big move to Stamford Bridge. Dewsbury-Hall will likely be determined not to let his career follow the same path.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s Forgotten Opportunity
Tosin Adarabioyo’s move to Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham was seen by many as a shrewd acquisition. At 27, the centre-back had been one of the standout performers in Fulham’s defense and was expected to provide depth to Chelsea’s defensive options. However, the former Manchester City youth player has struggled to break into the first team under Maresca, making just 11 appearances across all competitions.
Adarabioyo’s performances in cup competitions have shown that he has the ability to compete at the highest level, but with the likes of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Axel Disasi ahead of him in the pecking order, Adarabioyo has found himself largely sidelined. Reports suggest that West Ham are among the clubs interested in his services, and with the January transfer window approaching, it could be the perfect opportunity for him to find a new challenge elsewhere.
Given his strong performances at Fulham, Adarabioyo should be looking for a move that will allow him to play regularly. A switch to a club where he can be a regular starter would benefit both the player and his new club. With Chelsea’s defensive depth, Adarabioyo’s opportunities at Stamford Bridge appear limited, and a January departure could be the right move for him to continue his career progression.
The January Transfer Window Looms
As Chelsea prepares for the January transfer window, it is clear that several players, including Chilwell, Dewsbury-Hall, and Adarabioyo, need to leave in search of better opportunities. With the club’s squad growing larger and more competitive, players who aren’t regularly involved in the first team are unlikely to develop or maintain their form at Stamford Bridge.
For Chilwell, Dewsbury-Hall, and Adarabioyo, a move away from Chelsea could be the key to reigniting their careers. Whether through loan moves or permanent transfers, these players need to find clubs where they can play regularly and regain the form that once made them top talents in their respective positions.
As the January window approaches, it will be interesting to see how Chelsea handles these situations, with the club’s management needing to make decisions about who stays and who goes. For players like Chilwell, Dewsbury-Hall, and Adarabioyo, their futures at Chelsea seem uncertain, and it could be time for them to seek new challenges and fresh opportunities elsewhere.
