Chelsea are planning to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window to support their new head coach Liam Rosenior. The move comes after the recent sacking of Enzo Maresca and follows defensive problems linked to Levi Colwill's long-term ACL injury. The club had originally set sights on summer additions but now wants to act this month to help Rosenior during a busy schedule.
Background
Chelsea have faced a tough season at the back. Levi Colwill's ACL injury last summer left a big gap in defence. Enzo Maresca, then the coach, asked club leaders for a new centre-back to fill it. The club said no and pushed any signing to the end of the 2025-26 campaign. The team struggled as a result. Players like Trevoh Chalobah have been used in rotation but lack reliability as a starter. Wesley Fofana keeps facing fitness setbacks. Benoit Badiashile shows promise but lacks consistency. Youngster Josh Acheampong has not had many chances at centre-back. Tosin Adarabioyo does not meet starter standards. Axel Disasi has been dropped from plans.
These issues built up pressure on Maresca. The club parted ways with him recently and brought in Liam Rosenior as the new head coach. Rosenior took over amid this upheaval. Chelsea now see a chance to back him with new blood. The January window offers a path to quick help without waiting for summer. Defensive frailty has hurt results so far this season. Fans and observers note the team looks exposed at the back in most games.
"Chelsea plan to make a January move for a center back in support of new head coach Liam Rosenior." – Club sources close to the matter
Rosenior's arrival marks a fresh start. He comes in with clear ideas on building from the back. A new signing fits that vision. The club values players who can play out from defence. This need stands out after months of makeshift solutions.
Key Details
Chelsea's top targets include Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The young centre-back has impressed at the French club known for developing talent. Jacquet fits the profile of a ball-playing defender Rosenior wants. Another name in talks is Jacobo Ramon from Como. Ramon rose through Real Madrid's youth setup. He made six first-team appearances there before moving to Cesc Fabregas' side last summer. Ramon has stood out in Italy and caught Chelsea's eye.
The club also eyes other options like a former Real Madrid centre-back they now want right away. Plans shifted fast after Rosenior's appointment. Originally, no big winter spending was set. Now, leaders want to accelerate deals. They aim for a defender who boosts options without major sales first. The squad already feels large, but defence trumps that concern.
Transfer Targets Breakdown
Jeremy Jacquet at Rennes leads the list. He offers pace and passing range. Rennes rates him highly but may sell if the price fits. Jacobo Ramon brings senior experience despite his youth. His Real Madrid time adds appeal. Both are seen as long-term fits, though not instant starters. Chelsea sticks to buying young, high-potential players over proven names like Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Guehi shines as an England international and FA Cup winner, but the club looks elsewhere.
Deinner Ordonez, a 16-year-old from Ecuador's Independiente del Valle, joined earlier. He adds future depth but won't fix now. The focus stays on immediate help for Rosenior.
What This Means
A January signing gives Rosenior tools to steady the ship. The schedule packs in league games, cups, and Europe. Defensive errors cost points already. Adding a centre-back cuts those risks. It shows trust in Rosenior after Maresca's exit. The coach gets backing early, unlike his predecessor.
For the squad, it means competition at the back. Current players face pressure to step up. Chalobah and others may see roles shrink. Long-term, it fits Chelsea's model of youth investment. Success depends on the pick. Jacquet or Ramon could grow into stars. A wrong choice repeats past mistakes.
Fans watch closely. Some worry about another u-turn after summer inaction. Defensive chaos fuels unrest. A smart deal could calm that. Rosenior must blend the new face fast. The window closes soon, so talks move quick.
Broader Chelsea plans include summer moves for a midfielder and attacker. January stays focused on defence. Wolves sit bottom of the league, but Chelsea links stay separate. Atlético Madrid eyes Wolves' João Gomes after Conor Gallagher's £35 million move to Tottenham. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández draws Paris Saint-Germain interest, but no winter bid comes.
Rosenior's task grows. He builds on shaky ground. A centre-back signing sets the tone. The team needs wins to climb the table. Defence fixes that first. Club leaders bet on youth again. Results will tell if it pays off.
