Liam Rosenior has become Chelsea manager in the midst of the January transfer window, and it’s no surprise that his arrival has been met with a barrage of potential signings and rumours.
Rosenior was in the stands at Fulham on Wednesday night as he opted not to take charge on the night, with Calum McFarlane confirming the reason – that McFarlane’s team has already started preparation.
His first game in the Chelsea dugout will come on Saturday evening, when the Blues go to The Valley to take on Nathan Jones’ Charlton. The Addicks have struggled in the Championship following promotion.
Early thoughts on Liam Rosenior since being appointed Chelsea boss?🤔
His first sighting at Craven Cottage this evening
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
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But the timing of Rosenior’s appointment has only heightened rumours that Chelsea could bring in a few new signings this month. Judging by Wednesday night, Rosenior needs a few additions all over the pitch.
Liam Rosenior identifies his first signing as Chelsea manager
It will probably come as no surprise that Rosenior might be interested in taking some of his Strasbourg players with him to Stamford Bridge, and could well do so over the course of the next three weeks.
Valentino Barco.
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Strasbourg captain Emmanuel Emegha will join Chelsea in the summer, while Strasbourg boast three players on loan from Chelsea in the form of Ecuadorian Kendry Paez, Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders.
Of course, Julio Enciso and Ben Chilwell, and there is every chance that more Chelsea players follow them to Ligue 1. Now, a report Argentine outlet Direct TV claims Rosenior wants to reunite with Valentin Barco.
The versatile midfielder has clocked up 38 appearances for Strasbourg under Rosenior and clearly, the 21-year-old has left a lasting impression on Chelsea’s new manager. He has a contract until June 2029.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
Kobbie Mainoo
Mike Maignan
Marc Guehi
Todd Boehly and Paul Winstanley during Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
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How much Todd Boehly spent on Valentina Barco in summer
Barco, who has already won his first Argentina cap, joined Strasbourg permanently in the summer for just £8.5m from Brighton after an initial loan. Todd Boehly, then, has already spent money on the midfielder.
Realistically, Barco is going to cost a whole lot more when he makes his next move, and Rosenior might be better advised to bring in a couple of older heads, given the youth in Chelsea’s first-team squad.
Liam Delap believes Rosenior’s ability to work with younger players will make him a success, but if he can add a couple of familiar names, that helps too. Barco would be a top signing for Chelsea, and Rosenior.
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