It looks like the Chelsea squad could be headed for a shakeup this summer. Xabi Alonso is arriving to lead the project, and he appears to be doing so with his own set of ideas. To be honest, it might be time to change things up. The Blues finished this season in 10th in the Premier League, not good enough to even make Europe.
So, it would be an understatement to say that BlueCo’s model has not worked. And it is time to say goodbye to a lot of these players, and start afresh.
Names like Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Filip Jorgensen, and several more are expected to head for the exit door. Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are believed to be eyeing an exit as well. And now, it looks like it is time to add another regular starter to the list of probable exits this summer.
According to MaxFSport, Chelsea will be open to listening to offers for Pedro Neto. Work is ongoing behind the scenes on departures and potential targets.
Chelsea are open to letting Pedro Neto leave
Neto has been a regular starter for the last two seasons. He has been a mainstay in the team for every manager, whether it be on the right flank or the left.
Of course, a large section of the fanbase feels that he might not be good enough. But then again, he has brought enough to the table to be appreciated by managers.
On his day, Neto can be excellent. We have seen glimpses of his best at the Club World Cup and at the start of this season. But unfortunately, he has not been able to maintain his consistency.
He brings an incredible work rate as well. So, Chelsea being open to parting ways might be pointing towards a few things, and might not just be an indication of his quality.
Pedro Neto exit would point at two things
Now, it has been clear for a while that Chelsea are not in a brilliant financial position right now. The club have failed to make it to the Champions League again. In fact, they won’t be in any European competition at all next season. That comes with a huge loss of revenue.
Then there is the fact that they have posted record losses recently. And the club have not had a long-term shirt sponsor since BlueCo arrived.
All of this combined, it is almost inevitable that they need to work within a budget structure. As a result, they might need to part ways with Neto first in order to fund new signings. That was pretty much the case last summer as well.
Then there is the Alonso factor. It is very possible that the Spaniard could decide to play with three at the back. That would mean no traditional wingers. As a result, Neto’s importance in the team would decrease instantly.
We have seen him play in that wingback role for a bit towards the end of this season. And he did not impress. Also, with Geovany Quenda coming in, Chelsea would have a more suitable option there immediately.
Keeping Neto around, sitting on the bench, would only decrease his transfer value. So, the club might be ready to let him go now, rather than for a lower fee in the future. That makes sense.