Chelsea are undergoing one of the most interesting and challenging periods in their history. They are set to part ways with club legend Eden Hazard, while they are also set to face a two-window transfer ban.
This will significantly reduce the Blues’ chances of challenging for any major honours next season. Hazard has been the most important player for Chelsea since the departures of Frank Lampard and John Terry and his departure will mean that major structural changes will take place this summer. The Blues do have Christian Pulisic to call upon next season. The American is an exciting player and will be allowed to link up with the squad this summer as his transfer was completed in January (before the ban was inflicted). The transfer ban means that the Blues will have to re-integrate some of the players out on loan into the first team, something which the Blues are not renowned for doing.
The club are renowned for being harsh with managers. Antonio Conte was sacked last summer after the club ended the season in fifth position even though they won the FA Cup during the same season and the Premier League the season before.
Regardless of who is the Blues manager next season, it would be unrealistic to expect them to finish in the top four as the main objective even though it would be a major bonus. Realistically targeting deep runs in the tournaments (League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League) and a top six finish would be a realistic target.
The Blues need to use next season in order to build for the future. They have some exciting young blood within the setup and next season would present a good opportunity for the Blues to grow and harness these young players into world-class talents.
