Liam Rosenior was in the stands on Wednesday night as Chelsea suffered defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage. The new manager will have surely noted many issues that require sorting.
Getting the best out of his old Hull striker Liam Delap, reinvigorating Cole Palmer, replacing the loss of Reece James when the skipper is unable to play, and of course, the ill discipline. Issues that need sorting.
But perhaps the biggest issue is Chelsea’s defence. Robert Sanchez has been under fire all season, and while he could do little about Fulham’s goals, his kicking was poor. The centre-backs weren’t great, either.
Chelsea’s stance on January transfers under Liam Rosenior is clear 🗣️
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Chelsea's January transfer window stance
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Trevor Chalobah afforded Raul Jimenez all the space he needed to score Fulham’s first, and Chelsea had plenty of opportunities to clear before Harry Wilson netted. Rosenior may need to bolster his defence.
Ray Parlour urges Chelsea to bring Real Madrid star back
Of course, plenty of players have been linked with Chelsea this month, but the chances are that there will be more activity in terms of outgoings. Leo Castledine is set to complete a £1m move to Middlesbrough.
However, Ray Parlour has suggested a signing. On TalkSPORT’s Transfer Tinder this morning (8AM, 09/01), Parlour was asked if Chelsea should consider re-signing Antonio Rudiger, with the German set to leave.
Indeed, Rudiger’s deal ends in June. Parlour said Chelsea should sign him: “Take him, he knows Chelsea, I’d take him straight back. You’d definitely take Rudiger back, every Chelsea fan would have him back.”
Real Madrid CF v Real Betis Balompie - La Liga EA Sports
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How much would Real Madrid sell Antonio Rudiger for, right now
An 81-time Germany international, Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea and clocked up 203 appearances during that time. An FA Cup, Europa League, and Champions League winner during his time in London.
But it seems like his four-year stint at Madrid is set to come to an end. Where he ends up next, is unclear. Certainly, it feels like it is too early for Rudiger to go and join a club in Saudi Arabia, or even the MLS.
Would YOU have Antonio Rudiger back at Chelsea, and why? 🧱
Rudiger's contract ends in June.
Now, or in the summer on a free?
Antonio Rudiger.
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It feels like he has one more big contract at Europe’s top level at 32, and a return to Chelsea should not be discounted. Rosenior needs an older head at the back, a centre-back the others can learn from.
Indeed, Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four even this season would drastically improve if they had Rudiger on board. According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid will sell him for £9m.
If that is true, and Rudiger is open to a return to Chelsea in the next few weeks, then it is absolutely something Rosenior and Chelsea should consider. Realistically, he will remain at Madrid until the summer.
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