Arne Slot and David Hancko. (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates)
Chelsea’s 2024/25 season has been a mixed bag — from their inconsistent Premier League form, to a divided fanbase over Enzo Maresca’s playing style, to patchy performances from top names like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.
That inconsistency has extended into the heart of their defence.
While it hasn’t been a total disaster at the back — they’ve conceded 41 goals in 35 league games — it’s more than they’d have wanted, and reflects a unit still in flux.
Axel Disasi’s error-prone start saw him loaned to Aston Villa in February. Benoît Badiashile hasn’t shown he’s starter material, and Levi Colwill, despite his talent, has been unusually mistake-prone. Wesley Fofana has remained brilliant when fit — but hasn’t been fit much. Trevoh Chalobah, back from Crystal Palace, and Tosin Adarabioyo have been steady but unspectacular.
The most promising of the group might be 19-year-old Josh Acheampong, who has looked sharp when called upon — but it’s too early for him to be a week-in, week-out starter.
That leaves Chelsea in clear need of defensive reinforcements this summer — and one potential target is Feyenoord’s David Hancko.
Chelsea Eyeing David Hancko
According to Voetbal International, Chelsea are considering a move for the 27-year-old Slovakian, who is expected to leave Feyenoord this summer. But they’re not alone — West Ham and Saudi side Al Hilal are also circling.
Hancko was brought to Rotterdam in 2022 from Sparta Prague by then-Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, now Liverpool manager. Since then, he’s become one of the Eredivisie’s standout defenders — comfortable on the ball, positionally sharp, and known for clean tackling.
“He is so stable and can basically do anything. I just think he is a top defender all-round,” former Feyenoord left-back Tim de Cler told SoccerNews. “I think he can easily handle a club just below the top six in Europe… Atlético Madrid or Liverpool. He can certainly handle that.”
Can he handle Chelsea? That’s the question Maresca and Co. may need to answer — and quickly.
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