The transfer team at Chelsea will be fully focused on getting a deal done for Rennes youngster Jeremy Jacquet before the window shuts, but that has not stopped them from sorting out player exits.
Jacquet looks likely to be Chelsea’s only foray into the January market, with the club accelerating summer plans to sign a new centre-back. But a move for the France U21 star hinges on Chelsea agreeing a fee.
That has not stopped the Blues from sorting out the futures of some players that require a move. Already this month, Chelsea have permanently waved goodbye to two players, the first being a bargain sale.
Are you SAD to see Facundo Buonanotte go? 👋🥺
He's off to Leeds.
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Leo Castledine joined Middlesbrough after starring on loan with Huddersfield in the first half of the season. Then, Facundo Buonanotte’s loan from Brighton was ripped up, and he has moved to Leeds.
Now, Fabrizio Romano confirms a third Chelsea exit is close
After Castledine and Buonanotte, a third exit is now expected. It comes in the form of Chelsea’s 19-year-old talent, Frankie Runham. The teen has had a hand in 19 goals during 45 U18 Premier League games.
Frankie Runham in action for Chelsea's U21 side
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
But Runham believes his path into the Chelsea side has been blocked off given the bloated nature of the squad and Fabrizio Romano confirms he is set for the exit door. An initial loan spell to Ipswich Town.
Romano posted: “Ipswich Town agree deal with Chelsea to sign Frankie Runham on loan with potential obligation to buy. Chelsea retain buy-back clause if move becomes permanent for academy product.”
Runham will be hoping to play a part in Ipswich’s push for promotion back to the Premier League and if that does happen, it is easy to imagine that the obligation included would be activated in the summer.
Who else could leave Chelsea before the end of the window?
There is plenty to decide at the moment. Starting with two players currently out on loan, in the form of Kendry Paez at Strasbourg and David Datro Fofana, who is starring at Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk.
Kendry Paez’s Strasbourg loan gets cancelled. What do you do with him, now?
He's miles off the Chelsea squad at the moment…
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A decision will be made on Paez next week, while Romano has also said Celtic, Derby and Antwerp want Fofana. Then there are current Chelsea players being linked with the exit door ahead of January.
Filip Jorgensen is a target for Leverkusen, while Liam Rosenior issued a statement on both Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling. He confirmed Disasi is back in the senior squad but a decision is needed on Sterling.
While the first three weeks of the window have been largely quiet, the revolving door at Cobham won’t stop turning in the final few days. Plenty are set to go and there might just be one or two to come in.
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