Major signings are always going to lead to pretty major changes within a squad. Just think of how the likes of N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard or even Didier Drogba all those years ago changed Chelsea, often for the better.
That’s no different today, and with Chelsea linked with a potential £65 million move for Christian Pulisic at present, there is no doubting that his arrival would lead to some major changes at Stamford Bridge.
The addition of another winger could reinforce Maurizio Sarri’s likely favouritism for a system relying on wide players, whilst having Pulisic in the team could demand more of an off the field influence from someone like Eden Hazard, especially as the American continues to develop.
However, it could also have significant consequences in the form of the personnel currently at the club. Chelsea aren’t short of attacking options, and Pulisic coming in could make a few players have second thoughts about their spot within the squad. Indeed, Maurizio Sarri himself could even view one or two of them as surplus to requirements as a result.
That considered, here are 2 players that should leave Chelsea if Christian Pulisic moves to Stamford Bridge…
Willian’s future at Chelsea has been uncertain for a while now, owing to reported interest from Spain.
However, whilst a move to Spain may tempt him, the arrival of Pulisic should convince him that his future is away from Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian wasn’t a regular starter last season by any stretch, and further depth down the wings would only make his life more difficult.
He’ll be 30-years-old by the time the season starts, and the last thing he needs is further competition.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has an incredibly bright future, but is that future really at Chelsea?
Even without Pulisic, the Englishman isn’t likely to be a regular at Stamford Bridge during the coming season, and the arrival of the American would no doubt bring those appearances down further still.
Given that both he and Pulisic are teenagers, you’d expect them to both share more of a rotational role at Stamford Bridge, and given the likely cost involved in the signing of the American, he’d almost certainly sit ahead of Hudson-Odoi in the pecking order.
Maybe moving on would be best for his career.
