The 14 unlucky players to face the chop at Chelsea this summer.
According to the London Evening Standard, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has earmarked 14 players to face the chop this summer as he prepares to put together a squad that will be able to race to the Premier League title unchallenged next season.
It’s set to be an exciting summer for the Blues, but below are the 14 players that had better start packing their bags now.
Fernado Torres
The Spaniard is a shell of the player he used to be now, and is likely to be used as a makeweight for the deal to bring Diego Costa to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid.
Demba Ba
Ba has been unable to replicate the kind of form he showed at Newcastle that prompted the Blues to splash out on his signature. Clubs in Turkey, Russia and Italy are all lining up to convince him to head their way.
Samuel Eto’o
‘Old man’ Eto’o was only brought in on a one year deal anyway, and though he has grown into his role at the club after a rocky start, it’s not likely that he will be offered an extension as Mourinho looks to bring in some younger talent to take the old guard’s place.
David Luiz
Like Juan Mata, Luiz is another one of the club’s top players from last season that is all set for the exit door this summer. The Brazilian defender-cum-midfielder has been extensively linked with a move to Barcelona as they step up their search for a replacement for departing skipper Carles Puyol.
John Obik Mikel
The Nigerian has been a fine servant for the club over the years, but he is reportedly unhappy at the recent return of Nemanja Matic, who has blocked his path to the first team and he will now look for regular first team football elsewhere.
Ashley Cole
The England international’s fall from grace at the club has been swift and spectacular. Now dispossessed by Cesar Azpilicueta, he has apparently had an offer from Real Madrid, but could opt to see out his career in the United States instead.
Mark Schwarzer
The veteran Australian hasn’t even come close to putting pressure on Petr Cech this season, and will be shipped out in favour of someone younger. After a year on the bench, though, he will feel as though he has another year left to offer as a first choice. Could drop down to the Championship.
Hilario
The perennial third choice goalkeeper will likely be given his marching orders this summer. He has served with distinction and has always behaved professionally whether in or out of the side. Could go into coaching either here or overseas to see out his career.
Romelu Lukaku
The Blues are foolishly willing to listen to offers for the Belgian international and have reportedly already slapped a £25m price tag on his head. Sides in The Premier League and La Liga are said to be eyeing him with serious intent.
Marko Marin
The German international failed to make any sort of impact last season and was immediately shipped out to Sevilla for the season. He has expressed a desire to stay there and depending on how much Chelsea ask for him he may get his wish.
Victor Moses
Things started out so brightly for Moses but he has struggled to get off of Liverpool’s bench this season where he has been on loan. Mourinho doesn’t see a future for him in the squad but a number of Premier League sides are still said to be keen on taking him away from Stamford Bridge.
Ryan Bertrand
The full-back has made his desire to play regular first team football known to Mourinho, and though he offered him a lifeline it is not said to be enough of a guarantee for the 24-year-old to stay put. Apparently keen on staying with Aston Villa where he is on loan.
Gael Kakuta
Another one of the legion of Chelsea players on loan at Vitesse, but while they are all believed to have a future at the club, Mourinho is less sold on Kakuta, and will hold the door open for him when he returns.
Josh McEachran
‘England’s next bright hope’ will have to go and prove that he is exactly that somewhere else this summer as Jose’s scouts from Middlesbrough have not reported back with positive news.