BlueCo enters a new era this summer as they attempt to put four years of mistakes behind them during their ownership at Chelsea, and Frank Leboeuf has some advice.
The owners, albeit criticised for much of their reign, have finally made the right move when it comes to hiring a new manager. Xabi Alonso has been put in charge, entitled ‘manager’ and not ‘head coach’.
DISCUSS: Sanchez should be Chelsea’s no.1 next season…
Calum McFarlane is a big fan.
A solid first move and a signal of intent, as BlueCo appoint their first manager since taking over. Their previous four appointments have been named as head coaches, including Liam Rosenior and others.
Now, BlueCo, Alonso and Chelsea’s quintet of sporting directors have to get the transfer window right. Chelsea have got to make the right signings to get the Blues back into the Champions League.
Frank Leboeuf orders Chelsea to replace Robert Sanchez
Filip Jorgensen has already asked to leave Chelsea, and there are murmurs regarding Robert Sanchez’s future at Stamford Bridge, too. There is believed to be Saudi Arabian interest in the Spanish goalkeeper.
Sanchez has struggled again this season, and Chelsea need a new no.1 to come in. Mike Penders is set to return to Stamford Bridge after his Strasbourg loan, but putting pressure on him so quickly is a mistake.
Arsenal FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
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Chelsea need a new goalkeeper, and former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has ordered his old club to sign a shot-stopper that can produce a similar impact as David Raya has at Arsenal, since his £27m move.
“I don’t like to say anyone should go. He’s [Sanchez] a great goalkeeper, but with his feet, he’s a danger to his own team,” Leboeuf told The Metro. “I’m not sure Alonso will want to change style for one player.
“I’m very fond of Raya; that guy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the best right now, and he has proven that. With his feet, it’s easy. I really think Chelsea should try to get somebody like Raya.”
Chelsea have compiled a six-man shortlist of senior goalkeepers
With Jorgensen expected to leave and Sanchez possibly following him, Chelsea will need to sign a new goalkeeper regardless of whether Penders is to return to Stamford Bridge as first or second choice.
Who would you prefer – Roefs or Verbruggen?
Both are rated at £50m.
A six-man list has been reported. Porto’s Diogo Costa and Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi are listed with Premier League trio Robin Roefs, Jordan Pickford and Bart Verbruggen. Mike Maignan is top of the list.
The Frenchman has only just signed a new contract at Milan but after a disastrous end to the season in Italy, Maignan is keen to go. Time will tell, when it comes to a potential signing at Stamford Bridge.
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