Chelsea prioritizes shedding big-name players this January, seeking departures over new signings as they back their current squad for success.
Chelsea will maintain its usual policy of avoiding major spending in January, despite its difficult run in the Premier League.
The club's leadership remains unconvinced that mid-season signings provide real value, despite having secured only one victory in its last six league matches.
Although funds are available, officials believe the current squad is strong enough to fight for a top-four finish and go far in the domestic cup competitions.
There is also a firm conviction that altering the group in January could be more harmful than beneficial, especially considering the team is still adapting under the management of Enzo Maresca.
Therefore, Chelsea is not actively seeking reinforcements for specific positions this month, preferring patience and internal solutions over reactive moves.
The focus remains on stability, development and confidence in the current squad, rather than abandoning a policy they believe has served them well in recent seasons.
Chelsea Prioritizing Departures Over January Signings, Report Says
The January transfer window opens in the Premier League on Jan. 1, and Chelsea is pursuing Rennes center back Jeremy Jacquet, 20, and Saint-Etienne forward Djylian N'Guessan, 17. But, first and foremost, the priority for the Stamford Bridge club is player departures.
Thus, as reported by The Athletic, Chelsea wants to part ways immediately with English wingers Raheem Sterling, 31, and Tyrique George, 19, as well as French defender Axel Disasi, 27.
Sterling cost Chelsea 56.2 million euros ($62.3 million) in July 2022, when it signed him from Manchester City (which, in turn, acquired his services in the summer of 2015 from Liverpool). He was the first major signing of the 'Todd Boehly era' as owner of Chelsea. He is the highest-paid player on the London squad (373,000 euros per week) and is under contract until 2027.
But the English international's performance for the Blues has always been irregular, failing to meet the expectations that accompanied his arrival at Chelsea. A possible destination for Sterling would be a Saudi Arabian club.
Sterling has not played a single match in the 2025-26 season. He was sidelined after no destination was found for him last summer, following the 2024-25 season in which he played on loan at Arsenal.
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