Chelsea FC v Hull City - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Chelsea FC v Hull City - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui following Reece James undergoing a surgery. The Blues skipper has undergone a minor knee operation and looks unlikely to feature again before the turn of the New Year.
Reece James's injury record has been a major concern over the years, with the defender missing 147 games since 2019. As reported by Tribal Football, the Blues are looking to bolster their options at right-back following another blow to James.
The report claims that Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui. The 18-year-old has emerged onto the scene recently and has made six senior appearances for the Eagles to date.
A bombarding right-back, the youngster is highly regarded and is tipped for a bright future. He has earned 47 caps for Portugal at youth level already and is expected to earn a senior call-up soon.
The Blues are expected to face strong competition from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for Banjaqui's signature. The youngster is contracted at the Estádio da Luz until the summer of 2031 and has a release clause of £38 million in his deal.
Apart from Reece James, Chelsea have Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra as natural options at right-back. The latter was signed from Atalanta this summer in a deal worth £47 million, including add-ons.
Chelsea star Moises Caicedo reveals what every coach wants him to improve
Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo revealed where every coach wants him to improve. The Ecuador international claimed that coaches want him to talk more on the pitch, as he has good leadership qualities.
The 24-year-old has claimed that he is not talkative by nature but he is working on it to become more of a leader. He stated:
"I think every coach tells me that I can improve talking on the pitch, you know? Because they know that I'm a leader, but it will be better for me if I start talking more with the players. I try my best, but it’s not in my nature. So when I'm not able to talk, I just try to show even more."
Caicedo added that he tried to learn from former Chelsea teammate Thiago Silva, who was a phenomenal leader. He said:
"You learn from the previous ones, like Thiago Silva. He was an example for us. He tried to help us in every moment. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us. Now being one of the captains is a pleasure for me, and a special feeling for my family. Even if I’m not a player who likes to talk a lot, I like to show through what I do, so others can see my example."
Caicedo joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a then-British record £115 million deal from Brighton. He has made 150 appearances for the Blues to date, scoring eight goals and producing 11 assists.