Chelsea midfielder Jorginho had mixed debut season at Stamford Bridge, and was also criticised by fans and pundits for his inability to tackle in midfield.
And it now seems that he could be allowed to leave the Blues as his agent said that “anything can happen on the transfer market”, hinting at a possible departure from the Premier League club.
With the manager who brought him to Chelsea — Maurizio Sarri — leaving the club for Juventus, Jorginho might not be preferred ahead of World Cup and Premier League winner, N’Golo Kante.
If Jorginho is to leave Chelsea, and with the Blues serving their transfer ban, which current Chelsea players could possibly replace him?
Let’s take a look at 3 current Chelsea players who could replace Jorginho. (We are assuming that N’Golo Kante will return to his favoured defensive midfield position which Jorginho played last year)
Tiémoué Bakayoko
French midfielder Tiémoué Bakayoko spent last season on loan at AC Milan as he was told by then manager Sarri that he was not needed. The player’s agent revealed recently that he will return to Chelsea, and we could possibly see him line-up alongside his French compatriot Kante in midfield.
The 24-year-old had a decent season at the Italian club, making 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and assisting once.
Bakayoko had a very average first season at Chelsea, but his fortunes could perhaps change under a new manager at Stamford Bridge. He has the potential and the talent, but needs to be employed in a system that showcases his talents.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is highly-rated and has been touted as a key player for England in the future, but his opportunities have been limited at Chelsea.
In the 2018-19 season, the 23-year-old made a total of 40 appearances for the club, which is the most he has made in a season, and scored 10 goals.
The strong and powerful midfielder has the technique and talent to get a lot of goals and assists from midfield, and the 2019-20 season could be a turning point in his career. But he will not be fit for the start of the season as he injured his achilles during a friendly match following the Premier League season.
Mason Mount
Chelsea have one of the best academies in England and have several promising youngsters, but no Chelsea manager has offered youth a chance over the last few years. But things could change in the 2019-20 season as Chelsea may have to play with youngsters due to the transfer ban that has been imposed on them.
Frank Lampard, who could become the next Chelsea manager, will know a lot about the next player on this list – Mason Mount.
Mount played for Lampard’s Derby County side in the Championship and starred for the team, scoring 11 goals and 4 assists in the season from midfield.
The young Englishman is one of the brightest talents in the Chelsea set-up and should be afforded an opportunity in the first team after his impressive season in the Championship.
