Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are being left concerned by their clubs inability to secure a top-four place this season and it seems their struggles will prove costly this summer, with a mass exodus on the cards.
A total of nine players are set to leave this summer and whilst four of them will be expected, with Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato not extending their loan deals and Loic Remy earning himself a departure alongside John Terry, the other names are cause for real concern.
With five crucial players in-line to leave Stamford Bridge in search of Champions League football and a new venture, whoever Chelsea’s new manager ends up being faces a huge task on their hands to rebuild the squad.
Without this core of crucial players, Chelsea may find it extremely difficult to fight back into the top-four of the Premier League- especially with Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to compete with.
The punters in the bar are naturally concerned- and any Chelsea supporter reading this should be too!
Hit the image below to see FIVE Chelsea stars in-line for a summer exit!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Eden Hazard
The most high profile departure of the lot, speculation regarding Eden Hazard has been rife throughout the season with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid heavily linked to the signature of the Belgian international who’s been woeful this season.
Following another poor performance against PSG in the Champions League, where he earned immense criticism by swapping shirts with Angel Di Maria at half-time, many have since called for Hazard to be sold. However, replacing last year’s Player of the Year will prove to be extremely difficult.
Oscar
Another huge figure at Chelsea, Oscar emerged as a target for Champions League finalists Juventus last summer in their bid to replace Andrea Pirlo. With the Brazilian not having European football at Stamford Bridge, he may be persuaded to move this term.
The midfielder is an underrated member of the Chelsea squad and his departure would be a massive blow, especially with question marks over the future of his fellow midfielders. If Oscar and the rest of these players leave, Chelsea will have a gaping hole to fill in the middle of the park.
Nemanja Matic
Another player who’s exit would leave a massive hole in the centre of midfield is Nemanja Matic, who’s superb partnership with Cesc Fabregas last term was a pivotal reason as to why the Blues lifted the Premier League title.
This season though, Matic and Fabregas have failed to get a grip on the midfield in numerous games and Matic’s ability has been questioned as a result. However, Chelsea still won’t want to lose him- but they may find themselves with no choice.
Diego Costa
Probably the most controversial figure in the Premier League, Diego Costa is adored by Chelsea supporters but is the scorn enemy of fans from a variety of the Blues rival sides. Having rekindled his form, following a woful start to the campaign, his importance has come back into the forefront.
However, Costa is being lined-up by Atletico Madrid, who want him to return to the Vicente Calderon, and there’s been many stories in the paper suggesting the striker is open to this move. With no Champions League football at Stamford Bridge, he could easily return to the Spanish capital.
Pedro Rodriguez
If Pedro Rodriguez was to leave just a year after signing from Barcelona, it would be another black mark on Chelsea’s recent recruitment history- joining the likes of Juan Cuadrado, Mohamed Salah, Felipe Luis and Radamel Falcao as awful recruits.
Pedro’s form this season has been mixed to say the least and Chelsea wouldn’t be too concerned to offload, although it would likely see them endure a financial loss. With no Champions League football either, Pedro could push for a return to Spain.
