This summer is sure to be one of the most important periods in Chelsea’s modern history. The club are in desperate need of a rebuild with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave on free transfers, coupled with the fact it will be the first transfer window under prospective new owner Todd Boehly.
Blues fans will get a first glimpse of the post Roman Abramovich era and Boehly will be keen to show that the club can continue to compete with Europe’s elite in the transfer market. Aside from defensive issues that will need to be addressed after Rudiger and Christensen depart, midfield is another area that needs to be strengthened.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are both in their 30s and their respective deals at Stamford Bridge expire next summer. With that in mind the club will be keen to sign a younger central midfielder and one name that has been linked with a move to west London club is Jude Bellingham.
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The 18-year-old has excelled in German football since joining Borussia Dortmund two years ago, establishing himself as an integral member of their first team. Bellingham is a box-to-box midfielder and has been likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard; making him in essence an ideal replacement for Kante.
The Dortmund star has experienced modest success at Signal Iduna Park, winning the Dfb-Pokal Cup last season and regularly playing in the Champions League. However, he could leave the Bundesliga side this summer in order to challenge for the biggest prizes in club football.
Bellingham, who came through Birmingham City’s academy, has been tipped to return to England this summer and has also been linked with moves to Manchester City and Liverpool. However, his signing would be the ideal statement of intent for Boehly and would provide much needed fresh legs in the middle of the park.
With that said, is there a place for Bellingham in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI? Here, we take a look at how Chelsea could line-up next season with the Dortmund midfielder in the side:
GK: Edouard Mendy
RCB: Trevoh Chalobah
CB: Thiago Silva
LCB: Malang Sarr
RWB: Reece James
CM: Jude Bellingham
CM: Mateo Kovacic
LWB: Ben Chilwell
RW: Mason Mount
LW: Timo Werner
ST: Kai Havertz
