For a club as storied and demanding as Chelsea, the question who should Chelsea sign isn’t just a transfer-market exercise — it’s about identity, ambition, and long-term strategy. Already under pressure to deliver silverware and stability, the Blues must make shrewd moves that balance youth, experience, and system fit. In this article, QuackGoal will walk you through Chelsea’s current needs, spotlight realistic targets, and paint a picture of a transfer plan that could truly make a difference.
Chelsea’s Current State: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Priorities
Before naming names, we need to assess where Chelsea stand — what’s solid, what’s fragile, and what gaps are screaming for reinforcement.
- Squad overhaul continues under Maresca. Despite a massive summer spend (reportedly over £296.5 million), Chelsea left crucial areas under-addressed — notably center-back depth and goalkeeping.
- Youth integration vs instant impact. The club has committed to youth moves (e.g., Dario Essugo) while bringing in high-expectation signings like Liam Delap.
- Defensive frailties and long-term injuries. Levi Colwill’s ACL recovery and other injury issues have left Chelsea light at the back.
- Goalkeeping ambiguity. Chelsea opted not to chase Gianluigi Donnarumma and instead seem to lean to a long-term plan internally. plindex.com])
- Attack depth already strong — but not bulletproof. With Delap now in, the striking pipeline looks promising, but injuries or dips could expose a thin margin.
Given this state, the priority areas are:
- A dominant center-back (or two)
- A reliable, top-level goalkee. A backup or rotation forward to support Delap
Ideal Profiles: What Chelsea Should Target
To answer who should Chelsea sign, we need profiles — not just names. Herewhat would suit the club best:
| Position | Profile Attributes | Why It Matters |
| Center-back | A left-sided or ball-playing center-back, physically robust, comfortable in high lines | Replace injured Colwill, provide tactical flexibility |
| Goalkeeper | World-class shot-stopper, commanding in the box, good distribution | Stabilize the backline and reduce errors |
| Winger / Attacking Mid | High output in goals/assists, pace + dribbling, tactical versatility | To free Delap and offer rotation in attack |
| Forward / Backup Striker | Finisher, intelligent movement, adaptable to rotation | Depth behind Delap, fit for injuries or rotation |
These profiles help eliminate names that are glamorous but misaligned with system or club direction.
Top Targets Chelsea Could Sign
Here are several players who fit the above profiles — realistic, ambitious, and tied to Chelsea in rumor cycles.
Center-back Target: Piero Hincapié / Giorgio Scalvini
Chelsea are reportedly exploring center-back options to provide backup and competition for Colwill.
- Piero Hincapié is fast, aggressive, and adept in possession transitions.
- Giorgio Scalvini combines physicality with elegance — a promising Italian defender who could grow into a top pairing.
Goalkeeper Target: Michael Esser / Promising Shot-Stopper
While Chelsea avoided high-profile names like Donnarumma, they’re clearly eyeing a long-term solution.
A domestic or mid-tier European kee. If someone like Maignan becomes available or someone of similar quality, Chelsea should pounce.
Winger / Creative Mid: Facundo Buonanotte / Alejandro Garnacho / Fermín López
- Facundo Buonanotte has been linked with Chelsea, and the club reportedly already agreed personal terms.
- Alejandro Garnacho remains a name Chelsea keep in mind to add explosiveness out wide. e])
- Fermín López.
Forward / Backup: Evan Ferguson / Hugo Ekitike / Jamie Gittens
- Evan Ferguson is a young, high-ceiling striker already on Chelsea’s radar and pursued by multiple clubs. heguardian.com])
- Hugo Ekitike is another name floated — dynamic, with goal-scoring instincts. illyseason.com])
- Jamie Gittens is a younger wing/forward who could offer rotation potential.
Execution Strategy: Not Just Who, But When and How
It’s not enough to simply list names — Chelsea’s success in recruitment hinges on execution.
Timing and Phasing
- Immediate fix (Winter window): Secure a strong center-back backup and explore kee.
- Summer 2026: Challenge for marquee winger or attacking midfielder signing and finalize a second supporting forward.
- Youth integration: Continue bringing in younger talent (like Dario Essugo) to build the backbone of future squads.
Sell to Buy
Chelsea must offload fringe names to free budget and balance squad numbers. The club faces pressure to streamline its bloated roster.
System Fit & Managerial Vision
All signings must align with Enzo Maresca’s playing style and long-block/pressing tactics. Chelsea’s recent recruitment analysis highlights this need.
The Case for Each Signing: Realistic Yet Transformative
By combining the profiles and targets above, here’s a “dream shortlist” of who Chelsea should sign in the short and mid term:
- Center-back: Hincapié or Scalvini — Plug defensive vulnerabilities immediately.
- Goalkeeper: A premium shot-stopper (if market opens) — to reduce costly errors.
- Creative winger / midfielder: Buonanotte or Garnacho — for dynamism in attack.
- Backup forward: Ferguson or Ekitike — add depth and competition for Delap.
These names balance youth and experience, ensure system compatibility, and give Maresca tactical flexibility.
Challenges and Risks
- Competition. Many of these targets are on multiple shopping lists.
- Wage demands & transfer fees. Chelsea must be cautious not to overpay or upset financial sustainability.
- Adaptation curve. Some young players may need time to settle into Premier League pace and pressure.
- Squad harmony. Too many big names, too fast change — player morale and cohesion risk.
Final Thoughts
Who should Chelsea sign is more than a chant in a transfer window — it’s the blueprint of a renaissance. Chelsea must build around a core of defensive solidity, goalkeeping reliability, creative spark, and attacking depth. The names above— Hincapié, Garnacho, Ferguson, Buonanotte, and more — are not fairytales but blueprints for progress, if executed thoughtfully.
In this article, QuackGoal has walked you through Chelsea’s needs, ideal profiles, realistic targets, and a roadmap for success. Now it’s your turn: who do you think Chelsea must sign to return to the top? Let us know—and keep tuning in to QuackGoal for the latest moves, rumors, and analysis.
