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Chelsea secure £45m Liverpool star in bold January transfer forecast

Enzo Maresca may set his sights on marquee names from the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A during the winter window.

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Chelsea entered the 2025/26 campaign as one of the Premier League’s most intriguing clubs, yet five weeks on from the opener at Anfield, Maresca’s squad has raised more concerns than answers.

At Stamford Bridge, solutions are almost always found by investing in youth talent, meaning another hectic January lies ahead after nine summer signings still saw Chelsea nearly balance the books.

Some argue Chelsea have shifted from being a team to essentially a trading hub, flipping promising players rather than nurturing stalwarts.

Where legends like Terry, Drogba, Cech, Lampard, Hazard, Cole and even less-heralded figures such as Azpilicueta, Ivanovic and Mikel defined past eras with 200+ league outings, only Palmer and Caicedo appear capable of building similar modern-day legacies.

This season Chelsea have been comfortably beaten by Bayern Munich and Manchester United, shone only in hammering West Ham, relied on VAR against Palace and Fulham, and scraped a thrilling yet shaky draw with Brentford.

Conceding eight goals in four games, including three versus clubs finishing bottom half last term, defensive cover will be vital while Chelsea also failed to secure another attacking midfielder before August’s deadline.

Ibrahima Konate – £45m from Liverpool – With his contract expiring in 2026, the Frenchman’s dip in form has arrived at the worst time. Yet at 26, Konate still boasts more league starts than any Chelsea centre-back, with Colwill sidelined beyond January.

Marc Guehi – £50m from Crystal Palace – Despite ignoring contract realities, Grok argues Guehi could return to his boyhood club while Palace cash in, especially if their European push falters after Liverpool’s failed summer pursuit.

Fermin Lopez – £40m from Barcelona – The youngster impressed with two goals in four games before a muscle injury versus Getafe. With Barcelona still battling finances and delayed Camp Nou return, selling Fermin may be tempting.

Kenan Yildiz – £35m from Juventus – A long-term Chelsea target, the Turkish prodigy offers flair, versatility across attack and the star quality to thrive in England’s top flight.

Raheem Sterling – £15m to Arsenal – A likely exit is on the cards, though a shock Arsenal reunion would surprise after last year’s underwhelming loan.

Axel Disasi – £20m to Marseille – Linked with Monaco too, Disasi may depart amid Chelsea exile. His move would contrast Marseille’s reputation for controversial recruits.

David Datro Fofana – £8m to Union Berlin – After modest spells at Union and Burnley, Fofana’s scoring record remains patchy. Yet a fresh chance in Germany could arrive despite his Turkish breakthrough being limited.