Chelsea will be on a mission this summer to remove the individual errors from their game, although are linked with signing a defender who made more than any other Premier League player this season.
The Blues were near the top of the table when it came to points dropped from winning positions during the 2025/26 season, ultimately leading to their 10th placed finish in the table.
Discipline was Chelsea’s big issue throughout the season though. They picked up eight Premier League red cards, double the amount of any other side.
Chelsea should have given Joao Felix more time… 🪄
45 G/A in 47 games!
Chelsea target Jan Paul van Hecke made more errors than any other Premier League defender this season
In their quest to sign a new centre-back this summer, Chelsea have been strongly linked with Jan Paul van Hecke, another player at Brighton.
The Blues have raided the Seagulls on various instances in recent years. Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo have all succeeded upon their moves.
Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
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However, according to WhoScored, no defender made more errors leading to goals than Van Hecke. He made four, with the closest rival having two.
There has been very little confidence from Chelsea fans in their defenders’ abilities to not make game-defining errors, and is behind the desire for mass change at the back this summer.
Chelsea made a mistake getting rid of Noni Madueke! Do you agree?😠
Xabi Alonso wants new defenders
It is currently unclear whether Xabi Alonso will look to use a back four or back three when he takes over at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard has already asked for two new centre-backs from the club, with Levi Colwill an option who will remain in any manager’s plans.
Van Hecke would bring Premier League experience to the first team squad, something supporters have been crying out for during protests against the current ownership.
The Blues need to give Alonso the appropriate backing in order to see him succeed, and start to change the narrative that has cropped up after the hiring of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
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