While much has changed at Chelsea in the last 12 months, there may be a familiar feeling for many around Stamford Bridge with the season now well underway. Thiago Silva in particular may be experiencing a sense of deja vu as winter approaches and he once again heads towards the final six months of his contract.
In 2021/22 he was joined in that regard by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and was the only one who stayed. It was a deal that became more important that anyone may have expected when he extended terms in January, with Chelsea unable to sign new players or agree deals with existing ones as a result of limitations placed on the club following the Government sanctions placed upon former owner Roman Abramovich.
Conversations over the futures of Rudiger and Christensen dominated the summer and press conferences through the season, with the expectation initially that deals could be done, descending to the possibility one could stay to both departing by the time Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover was complete.
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The deals the Blues wanted to do during the season, simply did not match with what the players wanted, despite a hope that their careers could continue at Stamford Bridge. No player was signed with the foresight of the duo leaving and as consequence the Blues were left desperately trying to sign defenders in the most recent transfer window. Clubs and agents alike knew there was a necessity from Chelsea's side, and Boehly, operating as an interim sporting director, was immediately in an unenviable position.
The west London club managed to land two defenders in their place in the form of Wesley Fofana and Kalidkou Koulibaly for a combined £104 million. Impressive yet expensive additions, while the club further persuaded Cesar Azpilicueta to extend his deal during a tumultuous time to ensure consistency in a leadership position.
Silva, once again, leads a notable trio who could leave the club next summer. N'Golo Kante and Jorginho have played significant roles during the time at Chelsea but like their former teammates, see their deals now have months remaining as opposed to years to run. It was a position Thomas Tuchel did not want to see repeated in his time at the club, and Graham Potter is now set to face some of the same issues and questioning.
Outside factors no doubt played their part, but the season was already underway when negotiations started. Since then Reece James has signed a new contract and Mason Mount also seems on his way to agreeing an improved deal. Whether that is a result of where the Chelsea hierarchy's priorities lie or because discussions are more laboured with Kante and Jorginho, remains to be seen. Silva admitted that discussions over his future could start either before or after the World Cup, though Potter appeared to suggest that any decision could be down to the Brazilian veteran.
With January and the opportunity to speak to other clubs approaching, Chelsea cannot afford to allow then future of Kante and Jorginho at the club become someone else's decision. Entering the final year of the duo's contracts has already seen the club cede some of that power.
Jorginho's agent, Joao Santos, has suggested his client would like to stay at Stamford Bridge. He said: "We are due in June. We prioritise Chelsea and we are moving towards it."
Kante's representatives have said less, but the Frenchman's injury issues have proved an important reminder to any discussions set to take place over a new deal. Can he still be a key player when available infrequently? Towards the end of 2021/22, Tuchel could not hide that was a source of frustration.
Chelsea's discontent in midfield can perhaps be seen in late loan additions in each of the past two seasons. Saul Niguez had an unimpressive tenure at Chelsea, and Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus - is yet to play a minute since his deadline day arrival.
However, it leaves a sense that even with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic in addition to Jorginho and Kante, that there is uncertainty over whether the Blues have enough. The late bid for Edson Alavarez and the possibility to return for him only reinforces the point.
The prospect of losing either duo for free will be a source of frustration but the new ownership have shown bravery to cut ties and take losses when it is for the benefit of the team. Romelu Lukaku's loan to Inter and Timo Werner's return to RB Leipzig illustrate that. Both were moves the previous hierarchy were unlikely to undertake.
Much will come down to whether any new signing in January or next summer is to complement or replace what the duo bring. That may be a hefty task, but it is a consideration Chelsea's recruitment team will have to make.
The correct answer will only be truly apparent once a decision has been made but Chelsea must stay ahead of the situation and ensure that it remains one for them to make and not one they are forced into.
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