In comparison to their exploits in the summer transfer window, Chelsea endured a relatively quiet January by their own standards.
The most noteworthy action taken by the club was to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan move at Crystal Palace, with him playing regular minutes under Enzo Maresca since his return.
Their other piece of business involved bringing in young midfielder Mathis Amougou, however he will be one for the future with the current plan being for him to leave on loan this summer.
It was clear the Blues were open to completing more deals though, with them linked to a number of big names during the winter window that they were unable to bring in.
One of those was Nico O’Reilly, with Chelsea clearly keen on another deal that could replicate the success story of Cole Palmer.
Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
Chelsea fans proven wrong on Nico O’Reilly after FA Cup heroics
Chelsea enquired over O’Reilly but were ultimately pushed back by Manchester City’s demands in order to part ways with him, and he remained at the Etihad for at least the rest of this season.
City fans were glad he did after his introduction changed the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth. The youngster picked up two assists in the 2-1 comeback win.
Bernardo Silva described O’Reilly as ‘unbelievable’ as he showed Chelsea the talent they missed out on in January.
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Blues fans at the time were far from keen on the addition of the Englishman when they were linked with his signing, although may have just been proven completely wrong with his most recent performance.
One user said at the time: “He’s looked cool when I’ve seen him play, but it just doesn’t matter, does it. We’ve literally got Carney, what’s the point.”
He’s looked cool when I’ve seen him play, but it just doesn’t matter, does it.
We’ve literally got Carney, what’s the point. https://t.co/dGCNHR7Zch
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) February 2, 2025
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Another added: “Joe Shields just wanna change us to man city academy. I hate clearlake! CLEARLAKE OUT!”
A third stated: “This club is done for man.”
A seperate user stated at the time: “He’s honestly not even better than kiano dyer, definitely not better than chukwumeuka/santos/uguchukwu. What is the actual point?!”
Finally, one user said: “I’m starting to hate this club. Is this guy any better than Rak-Sakyi?”
Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea’s stance on future O’Reilly signing
After their initial interest, O’Reilly’s latest performance will have left those who were in favour of signing him with no doubts that he would be a great addition to the Chelsea first team.
The Blues are monitoring O’Reilly after their January interest, as they weigh up whether to make another approach to City in an upcoming window.
It is reported that Chelsea are in for another busy summer, with a number of positions being targeted.
O’Reilly’s strongest role is in midfield, a position which the Blues will already be adding to in the summer when Andrey Santos returns from his loan spell at Strasbourg.