Enzo Maresca must quickly sell Chelsea star who earns more than Palmer
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Enzo Maresca’s Arrival Spurs Summer Transfer Buzz at Chelsea
With Enzo Maresca now confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager, the excitement surrounding potential summer transfers is set to intensify. Todd Boehly and his team have already made headway, nearing the signing of Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer and actively seeking a new centre-forward. However, an equally critical task remains: offloading players who are no longer needed, particularly those with high wages.
Player Wages and Squad Assessment
Despite the numerous signings made in recent years, Chelsea has managed to keep player wages relatively under control. Yet, the club must evaluate the cost-effectiveness of retaining certain players, especially given the stellar performance of Cole Palmer. Palmer, who earns £75k per week, has made a significant impact since his arrival from Manchester City for £42.5m.
Cole Palmer’s Impressive Season
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Palmer has proven his worth with 25 goals and 15 assists across 45 appearances this season. His outstanding performance has drawn praise from pundits like Jamie Carragher, who named him “one of the best players in the Premier League this season.” According to FBref, Palmer ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for goals, the top 8% for assists, and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90 minutes.
While Palmer will likely seek a salary increase after such a successful season, Chelsea’s initial moderate contract with him offers room for reasonable negotiations. However, with players like Ben Chilwell earning significantly more, Maresca and Chelsea’s management will need to make some tough decisions.
The Case for Selling Ben Chilwell
Chilwell, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £50m in 2020, has made 106 appearances, scored nine goals, and provided 12 assists, including winning the Champions League. However, his frequent injuries have limited his Premier League starts to just 30 over the past three seasons. With Marc Cucurella now the preferred choice at left-back, Chilwell’s future at Chelsea looks uncertain.
Despite being under contract for another three years, Chilwell may prioritize regular playing time at this stage of his career. Industry insiders, including transfer specialist Dean Jones, suggest that Chilwell could be among the first to leave this summer, especially after being omitted from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024.
Financial Considerations
Chilwell’s £200k-per-week salary is a significant burden, especially when compared to Palmer’s earnings. Only Raheem Sterling and Reece James earn more than Chilwell in Maresca’s squad. Given this disparity, it makes financial sense for Chelsea to offload Chilwell. Additionally, the club is looking to sell Romelu Lukaku, one of their highest-paid players, for a reduced fee of £35m.
Conclusion
Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Chelsea manager heralds a new era, with significant changes expected in the squad. Offloading high earners like Ben Chilwell will be crucial for financial sustainability and squad balance. As Chelsea prepares for a major rebuild, tough decisions on player retention and sales will shape the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
