Graham Potter's Chelsea transfer window for January may feel like trying to empty a sinking ship with a bucket. Except the bucket has holes and the ship is underwater.
Whilst needing to look long-term in order to fulfil the early stages of a plan under the new owners Potter also needs immediate results to get the fanbase on board and compete over an extended second part of the season. Although a title challenge is long gone and drawing Manchester City twice looks to have eliminated much chance at a cup run, Potter has a lot to sort out.
His squad is ageing and has been neglected to any planning over a long period. When it comes to the true specifics of the window, realistically they need reinforcements in goal, at right-back, centre-back, at least two midfielders and potentially three attackers.
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This squad had £250million spent on it over the summer and still needs major surgery. Before spending money it is more important to cement a plan. That's the role of new directors Christopher Vivell and Laurence Stewart. Meanwhile Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields and Neil Bath are all set to play a key role too.
Whilst the January requirements look set to be focused on a third-choice striker - though David Datro Fofana is being brought in for the future - a new midfielder and moves for the summer, centre-back proactivity is also needed. Over the summer £170million was spent on defenders, but Thiago Silva is 38, Cesar Azpilicueta 33 and Kalidou Koulibaly is not settling yet and 31.
Their targets include 20-year-old Josko Gvardiol and Benoit Badiashile, 21. The former has been given a huge £88million price tag - a world record value for a defender - and Monaco's Badiashile could come cheaper but will still cost around £35million. With extra players also being looked at across the pitch it will be important to save money where possible.
Within Potter's remit already is teenager Levi Colwill. The England Under-21s international has been on loan at Brighton this season and has started to come into the equation with new manager Roberto De Zerbi after a slow start. As a left-footed, progressive and ball-playing defender, Colwill is rated as one of the best players in the club's academy of recent years.
Potter himself was part of the driving force to take Colwill to the south coast but moved on to Chelsea soon after the transfer. His year at Brighton only picked up shortly before the international break and his impressive performances have shown that a risk could be worthwhile in January in order to combine long-term planning and short-term impact.
Colwill looks capable, after recording a second win in a week as a starter for the Seagulls, of adding pace and quality to a struggling backline in terms of physicality and form. This could save money on Gvardiol and Badiashile for now whilst also offering a highly-rated player the chance of some minutes to develop.
Being smart and efficient in the market will be just as important as spending money and Colwill coming back could be the perfect blend.
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