Joe Cole has expressed his frustration over Chelsea’s decision to sell Marc Guehi, a defender who has since become a standout player for Crystal Palace and an integral member of England’s national team.
Guehi, who joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of seven, signed his first professional contract with the club in 2017. However, after making just two senior appearances, he was loaned to Swansea City before being sold to Crystal Palace in 2021 for £18 million.
Since his move to Palace, Guehi has made over 100 appearances and emerged as a key player for the Eagles. His performances earned him an England call-up in 2022, and he was a standout performer during the national team’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Chelsea’s interest in Guehi comes amid a defensive crisis. Wesley Fofana has suffered an injury setback, and Benoit Badiashile has also been sidelined, leaving Chelsea vulnerable at the back.
Manager Enzo Maresca has struggled to find consistent performances from other defenders like Axel Disasi, further emphasizing the need for reinforcements.
Joe Cole, a former Chelsea player and pundit, criticized the club’s handling of Guehi, stating, “The priority for Chelsea is central defense. Players like Badiashile and Fofana are struggling with injuries, and although Levi Colwill is promising, he still needs time to develop. It’s frustrating that Chelsea sold someone like Guehi, who is now one of the best center-halves in the country, and may have to pay a significant fee to bring him back.”
Cole continued, “Chelsea has a habit of letting top talents go and later realizing their mistake. Guehi is now in England’s starting lineup, proving his quality, and Chelsea could have avoided this situation by giving him more opportunities initially.”
Chelsea’s recent struggles have extended beyond defensive issues. A 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace over the weekend marked another disappointing result, following a series of poor performances against lower-league opponents.
Former striker Clinton Morrison highlighted Chelsea’s attacking inefficiencies, saying, “There are alarm bells ringing. Chelsea had 15 attempts against Palace but only managed one on target. They’re too reliant on Cole Palmer, and the lack of finishing quality is a concern.”
Maresca has downplayed Chelsea’s title aspirations but acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad to ensure a top-four finish. Guehi’s return could be crucial in stabilizing the defense and reigniting Chelsea’s season.
As Chelsea prepares to face League Two side Morecambe in the FA Cup, the focus remains on resolving their defensive challenges. Re-signing Marc Guehi, who has proven himself at the highest level, could be a vital step toward restoring balance and competitiveness to the team