With the World Cup now into its knockout stages, and Chelsea having returned to training for their Premier League preparations the countdown to the season's return is beginning to bubble away in the background. With nights continuing to draw in and winter setting place, it also means the transfer window is just around the corner.
Graham Potter has already admitted that he plans to have conversations with the likes of owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, while the Blues' recruitment team has continued to form as Lawrence Stewart, Paul Winstanley and Joe Shields having been appointed and Christopher Vivell still believed to be close to deal.
Chelsea's head coach has had a whirlwind time in charge of the Blues, with a hectic schedule after an initial spate of postponed matches and an international break. Nevertheless, Potter will have learned more about his squad, what it needs and doesn't over an intense six-week period. The pause in the season will provide the former Brighton boss time to firmly reflect on his early experiences.
READ MORE: Christian Pulisic's World Cup aim and how Chelsea man proven right after USA loss to Netherlands
Behind each of Chelsea's appointments, the importance of being collaborative has been made clear. It should come as little surprise that Potter plans to hold conversations with Chelsea's hierarchy.
He said earlier this month that he expected discussions: "Yes. I'm pretty sure we will. We have regular dialogue, so that's part of an ongoing process. Sometimes you need to reflect, to think, to analyse, and if you have the space to do it, it's better. But absolutely, we need to think about what's happened and what we need to do to improve."
As much as what the club needs, who is able to depart the club is likely to be a topic of conversation. Both to benefit the club financially and to best continue some players' development. football.london looks at those who could leave the club in January.
Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic were members of the first team squad that were firmly linked to moves away from the club in the summer. The former was unable to complete a move to Ajax ahead of deadline day, but his place in Chelsea plans seems as fragile as ever. The Moroccan international has barely featured under Potter, but has enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign so far, with AC Milan strongly linked with the winger.
Pulisic has had a slightly more prominent role than his teammate, but was open to a move over the summer though it appears no offer was forthcoming. Like Ziyech, an impressive World Cup could spark interest and the likes of Manchester United have been mentioned in the same breath as the winger, but it is difficult to see why the Blues would do business with a rival.
The American has shown some impressive moments under Potter however, and spoke highly of his coach. Though, as Pulisic enters the final 18 months of his deal, the right offer could prove appealing to all parties.
Omari Hutchinson is in an interesting position with the Blues having shone at under-21 level. The former Arsenal youngster is likely to head to Abu Dhabi with Chelsea's depleted first team, and has already been involved in matchday squads under Potter.
However, Hutchinson was expected to head to Reading on loan in the summer though the move did not materialise. Whether he is best served remaining at Cobham or finding a greater challenge on loan is likely going to be determined by how much he can impress during the upcoming pre-season of sorts under Potter, and whether he can remain in the set-up when Chelsea's injury list clears up.
Development squad forward Jude Soonsup-Bell is another who could depart this winter. The youngster has struggled to star at Under-21s level but featured during Chelsea's UEFA Youth League campaign and built his reputation as he rose through the age groups.
Manchester City are said to be interested in the youngster, whose contract expires in the coming summer. While that is the ideal opportunity for interested parties to poach the 18-year-old, with more clubs said to be interested perhaps one could hope to get ahead of the pack to lead his development sooner rather than later.
January will also provide the perfect opportunity for the Blues to find homes for those not earning much game time currently in their youth set-up. Teenage goalkeepers Sami Tlemecani and Prince Adegoke could be well-suited to loans for the latter half of the season.
Morocco Under-20s international Tlemcani spent the latter stages of last season on loan at Merstham, so a similar move could be broached a year on. Adegoke spent the early stages of this term on loan at Welling United but struggled to make an impact and return to the Blues, but if he is still deemed ready, January could provide another good opportunity to find a club.
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