Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri’s future at Stamford Bridge is still to be sorted out. The Italian is expected to leave the club and join Serie A giants Juventus this offseason with some tipping Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo as a great replacement.
Several items have recently been leaked to indicate Chelsea will confirm Sarri’s departure once the nuts and bolts of his Juventus deal is finalised.
According to Tuttosport, Cristiano Ronaldo has already spoken about his interest in working under Sarri. In addition, Chelsea shareholder Hasan Nagoor has posted a goodbye to Sarri via Instagram, seemingly letting the cat out of the bag.
Chelsea manager to dictate offseason player movement
Sarri’s departure is expected to dictate Chelsea’s player plans this summer if their transfer ban is successfully appealed.
One player that looks destined to leave the club if Sarri goes is midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The midfielder spent 2018-19 on loan at Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid.
Kovacic was a favourite of Sarri’s and appeared in 32 Premier League games registering two assists. He also made 12 appearances in the Europa League but failed to score or create a goal.
According to the Sun, Chelsea wanted to add Kovacic to the club on a permanent deal. However, with Sarri set to leave for Turin, they will allow the midfielder to return to Madrid.
Could Mateo Kovacic stay despite a new Chelsea manager?
There is a possibility Kovacic could be added on a permanent deal this offseason, however. Chelsea could still face a transfer ban if they lose their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Kovacic can be signed permanently by the Blues as he is already considered a Chelsea player. Therefore, Chelsea can tiptoe around the transfer ban ruling and make at least one permanent addition.
If the transfer ban is upheld, Chelsea may need to do whatever they can to produce a competitive squad to play in both the Premier League and Champions League next term.
Chelsea’s squad could have numerous holes next term
Two players Chelsea will be hopeful can return and make impacts next season are Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Both are recovering from Achilles injuries.
Central midfield is an area that the Blues desperately need to add quality of depth to. If Chelsea’s transfer ban is upheld, the team won’t be able to sign new players until the end of the 2019-20 Premier League season.
Chelsea will see the return of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AC Milan where he was on loan last season. The Frenchman disappointed the Rossoneri’s higher-ups greatly and they decided against signing Bakayoko permanently