Chelsea have made a strong start under new head coach Liam Rosenior.placeholder image
Chelsea have made a strong start under new head coach Liam Rosenior. | Getty Images
Chelsea may be plotting a shock transfer move to offer something new to Liam Rosenior’s squad
Chelsea have made an impressive start under new head coach Liam Rosenior and will feel that their targets are still well within reach despite a mixed winter period at Stamford Bridge.
The biggest challenge of his short reign so far will come when Chelsea travel to Napoli in the final match of their Champions League opening phase campaign on Wednesday, with ambitions to qualify automatically for the last 16 of the competition. Currently sat in eighth place on goal difference, the Blues may have to win.
Chelsea ‘eyeing’ surprise Harry Maguire move
According to reports by Caught Offside, Chelsea have been linked with a shock swoop for Harry Maguire when the Manchester United defender becomes a free agent next summer. The Blues are said to be ‘eyeing’ a move for the 32-year-old, who they believe would offer them an experience which is lacking in their youthful squad at Stamford Bridge.
Maguire could get offers from the likes of West Ham, Everton, and Bournemouth if he does not secure a new deal at Old Trafford, with Serie A giants Napoli and Roma also linked if he opts to move abroad. The England international is thought to be ‘highly likely’ to move on in the summer despite the value he continues to have at United, and Chelsea are believed to be considering a surprise move ahead of next summer.
The Blues have not fielded a player over the age of 28 this season and Maguire would represent a significant change in terms of transfer policy, but an acceptance by Rosenior and the club hierarchy that a sprinkling of experience is needed in any highly successful side.
Could Maguire become Chelsea’s new Thiago Silva?
It is hoped that Maguire could have a similar impact to that of Thiago Silva if he were to arrive at Stamford Bridge. While Maguire may not quite have the decorated stature in the game of the Brazil legend, his experience at the top level would be unmatched by anyone else in the squad, both in club football and on the international stage.
Now 41 and back in Europe with Porto, Silva spent four years at Chelsea and was a figure of inspiration as the Blues won the Champions League in 2021. It can be argued that Silva has been missed ever since he departed in 2024, and the club could look to replicate the impact of his leadership and experience in the shape of a free agent move for Maguire.
A source close to the industry told Caught Offside: “Maguire’s availability has a lot of clubs taking a look. Chelsea are surprisingly open to this deal – they know they’re missing an experienced Thiago Silva-like figure at the back. It’s not necessarily the most likely outcome, but don’t rule it out.”
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