Roman Abramovich plans for dream Chelsea XI to peak in 2024 after £146m transfer spree
It feels naive to look too far forward in Chelsea history given how predictably unpredictable
the west London club are under Roman Abramovich.
Originally the title of this piece was going to include the name of Thomas Tuchel, looking
ahead to 2024 and plotting a potential lineup the wise German would unleash for guaranteed
Premier League and European dominance.
Though it feels much safer to assume Abramovich's 18-month status quo remains intact and whoever
sits in the dugout in two years time, Chelsea will still remain one of Europe's most impressive
squads with some of the continents most admired talent.
As 2021 has proven, bundles can change at Chelsea but it is undeniable the current squad
Thomas Tuchel possesses includes some incredible talent.
With a host of either young talent breaking through, others forging towards their prime
and experienced veterans maximising their talent.
In two years Chelsea supporters should expect the squad to look very different especially
given the age of some current first-team members and contracts ticking down.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is coming close to the end of his Stamford Bridge career which
will be a massive blow given his incredible levels of consistency since signing in 2012.
European defensive titan Thiago Silva edging towards his 40s still playing at an elite
level proves his incredible mind but should be predicted to depart by at least 2023.
Both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are also entering their 30s and have current contracts running
down with Chelsea already scouring the market for potential replacements.
The contract tussle with defensive duo Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger is yet to
be resolved with fans unsure of the future of both beyond this season.
What I've tried to project in this lineup is some of the major stars of the current
team who are unlikely to be moving anytime soon, exciting youngsters either in the first
team now or impressing on loan to return in the coming years.
I've also tried to predict some major transfers, two in fact that were heavily linked over
the last summer and will likely spring up again in 2022.
Although Tuchel is currently finding great success with the 3-4-2-1, it is only a matter
of time before Chelsea revert back to a four-man defence, mostly due to the lopsided number
of attackers currently present.
Predicted 2024 Chelsea team after £164m investment in future transfers.
Even though Edouard Mendy would be 31 in two years time we all know a goalkeeper's lifespan
at the top level is radically different to outfield players.
Mendy has become one the best keepers in Europe over the course of 18 months in west London
and unless he massively drops form, expect him to keep first spot for awhile.
Excellent wingbacks for Tuchel but both Reece James and Ben Chilwell has previously shown
their equal quality in a four-man defence for Chelsea.
Their energy, ability on the ball and productivity in the final third, Chelsea have fullbacks
perfectly suited to a game that requires more from wide defenders.
The centre-back position is where we see our first signing in Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
Chelsea got close in 2021 and I wouldn't be stunned if the move happens in 2022 as the
French defender develops into one of the best in his position.
Trevoh Chalobah extended his contract to 2026 back in October and the academy star looks
capable of joining Reece James in a backline that's 50% Cobham.
Central midfield is completely dominated by Cobham though.
Declan Rice to Chelsea feels a matter of when and not if from West Ham and feels the obvious
successor to Kante and Jorginho.
Declan Rice has been one of Chelsea's rumoured targets for several years.
His power, speed and aggression are unmissable, but the elegant quality on the ball has made
him of the most impactful central midfielders in the Premier League.
Rice's best friend Mason Mount has become essential to his club since 2019 and the recent
Ballon d'Or nomination is only going to propel the midfielder onto greater heights.
Chelsea would be foolish to pass a talent like Conor Gallagher by given his influence
for Crystal Palace on loan.
His late runs into the box bring visions of Frank Lampard and along with Mount, the pressing
in attacking midfield would be insane.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has proved to be a creative certainty in his favoured left-wing spot.
Although he has stiff competition, his talent, technique and chemistry with others should
keep him in high regard.
Chelsea broke their transfer record for Romelu Lukaku so he should be a main part of the
Blues attack for several years.
The refined, mature goalscorer at the top of the attack to lead this talent-filled side.
It is hard (and horrible) to think of a future where Kai Havertz does not fulfil his high
potential in European football.
The Champions League-winning goal was the perfect springboard for the German sensation
to become one of the best on earth.
Let's pray that dream becomes a reality given the club's major investment in him.