It’s a familiar problem this summer for Chelsea — getting high earners off the wage bill who no longer fit the project. In the most urgent of those was Ben Chilwell, the England international whose future is still completely up in the air, no club having acted on the interest so far.
Zero Offers, Lofty Wages, and Fading Stock
A brief stay on loan at Crystal Palace, where Chilwell made 11 appearances, also scored once and ended up even lifting the FA Cup, got hopes up that the suitors would be queueing around the block. But the phone hasn’t buzzed since late July. Palace rejected an opportunity to sign him permanently, and no club has lodged a formal interest.
Chilwell is still one of Chelsea’s highest earners, earning just under £200,000 a week. That’s a hefty sum for a player who managed under 450 minutes in a blue shirt last season. Injury setbacks, tactical reshuffles and a minimal impact have made him less of a prized asset across the Continent.
There has been some semi-informed chatter of that interest coming from newly promoted Premier League sides, or even Leeds United, but nothing has yet traversed beyond a whisper. With Chilwell tied down until 2027, Chelsea can’t just wave him goodbye without a serious plan.
Chelsea Open to Contract Termination If Stalemate Persists
With the transfer window ticking and still no breakthrough so Chelsea are considering drastic measures. One solution being mulled behind the scenes is to cancel Chilwell’s contract outright — a costly move, certainly, but one that would reduce the wage bill and open up space in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Chelsea have already moved the 28-year-old to a separate training group, placing him in the so-called “bomb squad” alongside other out-of-favour players. And Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato – a potential long-term successor at left-back.
And unless the right kind of club takes a late punt, Ben Chilwell could well end up beached on the books — unwanted, underused, overvalued.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
