N'Golo Kante and Jorginho will be out of a contract with Chelsea by the summer of 2023. As daunting as that sounds, it might not be such a bad thing.
There are so many ways that this scenario could play out. Chelsea could end up in a whirlwind of trouble, or they can exit this situation stronger than ever. The only bit of certainty that Chelsea fans can cling to is that the Blues will be hunting for a midfield option in the summer transfer window, regardless of whether Kante or Jorginho stays.
As we draw nearer to the transfer window, I find it rather tedious that little has been said around contract extensions for our resident midfielders. The arrival of Aurélien Tchouaméni or Declan Rice seems pretty imminent now. Let's take a look at how this could all pan out.
Jorginho leaves Chelsea
The Chelsea fan base has remained split on their opinions of Jorginho over the last couple of seasons. Whilst he is a technically gifted player, he looks to be quite limited in terms of defensive capabilities. He is not a typical, traditional DM. Some describe him as a 'Regista': a deep-lying visionary, the midfield puppet master.
His skill set is extremely pivotal to the team. For the last three and a half seasons, he's helped Chelsea keep control in games just by navigating through the midfield. There is a noticeable drop in control in his absence, and that's where it gets scary. It isn't easy to replace somebody who dictates play so well and has such a unique speciality.
On the other hand, Chelsea could swiftly move on from what they have become so accustomed to. Ditch the whole 'Regista' model and resume the traditional DM role with Declan Rice. If we were to cash in on the Italian, Juventus might be willing to pay the price.
Jorginho’s market value has dropped since 2019. According to Transfer Market, his value was £58.5m. It dipped to £36m in 2021 before shooting back up to £40.5m after his 3rd place Ballon d’Or ranking. According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport via Forza Italian, Juventus have reportedly contacted the Italian’s agent. It could be worth cashing out whilst we still can to make way for Chelsea’s long-term target.
Chelsea moves on from Kante
Quite frankly, I struggle to imagine a world where Kante does not play for Chelsea. It has been filled with memories and world-class moments with the Frenchman for six years. I'd miss his smile, his joyful goal celebrations, and his mini cooper. However, there's no time for sentiment.
Chelsea is currently dealing with an injury-prone Kante who will probably never go an entire season without less than two injuries again. That in itself is a worry.
Nobody can do a Kante role like Kante himself. Is he a 6? Is he an 8? Nobody can ever seem to agree. The blurred line comes from the fact that he is just everywhere on the pitch. If he's not cleaning up a defensive mess, he is pressing with the utmost intensity or delivering in the final third. He's a manager's dream, Thomas Tuchel's dream.
Sometimes, I get out of breath just watching him.
It'll be criminal to give him up, but cashing in now will be better than allowing another team to steal him for free.
According to Transfer Market, Kante's market value has halved since 2019. In 2019 he was valued at a whopping £90m. Today he is valued at just £45m. Having bought him for £32m in 2016, Marina Granovskaia must be considering it as she could still make a profit on the Frenchman.
Both players stay or both players leave
There is no way Tuchel can keep both players happy if they both stay. Both players are 30 years old. They are still fired up and ready for at least a few more years. As far as international and European pedigree, the pair have won the lot as Chelsea players.
The Champions League, Club World Cup. Jorginho won the Euros, and Kante won the World Cup. There is no way they will agree to anything that keeps them limited to the bench.
Chelsea is eyeing a midfield double whammy with Rice and Tchouaméni on the list. Fans have cried for a refresh in midfield for two seasons, and it looks like the Blues are finally listening. Some fans have told Granovskaia precisely what to do so that their midfield wishes come true.
Both players come with a hefty price tag, but if Granovskaia and her board play their cards right, as usual, there shouldn’t be a massive deficit in profit. The idea of bringing Billy Gilmour in to fill the void of Jorginho is a little premature for me but can become a reality in a couple of years.
To maintain a healthy profit and keep both players happy, Chelsea could sell their starlet midfield duo?
God, no.
I want the Blue’s to make a profit and sign new midfielders as much as the next fan, but selling both could be too hasty for a transitional period. We want to win the league, not fight for fourth with brand new players that may nor may not adapt to Tuchel’s system.
I would hate a scenario where either player leaves the club, but the reality dictates that it could be time up for one of them.
What would you do this summer with the duo? Let me know in the comments section.
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