Chelsea remain in a state of financial flux following the end of Roman Abramovich’s time as owner – and they are currently set to lose some big-name players when their contracts expire this summer.
Following the UK government’s decision to sanction Abramovich in March, following his country’s invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea are currently unable to offer new contracts with their players, nor hold negotiations with their representatives.
While the club remain hopeful of a takeover in the coming weeks, new owners may arrive too late to prevent some of Chelsea’s most important players from leaving the club and strengthening their domestic and continental rivals.
We’ve identified the five men who are set to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season.
Antonio Rudiger
Given Chelsea’s recent defensive woes without Rudiger, it’d be unthinkable for the Blues to allow the centre-back to depart this summer – but that prospect is becoming more and more likely.
The Germany international is out of contract this summer and he’s attracted attention from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old rejected two contract offers from Chelsea earlier this year and, with the sanctions from the UK government still in place, the club are unable to offer him another one.
Chelsea hope to complete a takeover in the coming weeks but The Athletic report that any successful bid will be too late to convince Rudiger to stay.
Their report, which states in no uncertain terms that Rudiger will leave, mentions that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, and Bayern Munich have all made contact with the centre-back’s representatives. Manchester United are also said to be keen.
Charly Musonda
One of those players that’s been at Chelsea for aeons, without looking like breaking into the first team, Musonda’s contract expires this summer – and Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to take him to Serie…