According to several reports, one of Chelsea’s newest signing Juan Cuadrado has been linked with a move away from the club. Most reports have been keen on the Colombian’s move back to Serie A, with several Italian teams such as Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan expressing interest.
If a deal like this were to happen, Chelsea would have to find a replacement for the 26-year-old as their options on the wing would be limited. All of this considered, let’s take a look at Chelsea’s potential replacements for Juan Cuadrado.
Mohamed Salah
When making these sort of lists, incumbent players are often looked over in favour of new signings. However, Chelsea do have Salah on the books, and would be a decent replacement for Cuadrado. The Egyptian boasts similar pace and bursts of speed, and would fill the same role behind Willian that the Colombian did. That being said, Chelsea can do better than Salah. We have seen the Egyptian play in West London and it has been far from promising. Granted he’s had a brilliant loan at Fiorentina, but I doubt it would transfer to success at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should attempt to sell both wingers and have more money to invest in a winger with a stronger pedigree.
Antoine Griezmann
Chelsea have been consistently linked with the Frenchman’s signature in the last month, and rightfully so. Griezmann would do brilliantly at Stamford Bridge, with the versatility to play at the No.10 role and on the wing. He would offer an immediate upgrade for the Blues, and would be a deadly pairing with Hazard. This all being said, the Frenchman wouldn’t come cheap, with his rumoured price tag in the £43 million region. Furthermore, both Mourinho and the Frenchman himself have both expressed that the player won’t be moving to West London this summer. While the Griezmann would be a perfect fit for the Blues, it looks as if this will remain just a mouth-watering rumour.
Marco Reus
Chelsea should do everything they can to pursue Marco Reus, I’ve been saying this since September. If Chelsea were to add the German, I’m pretty sure they’d be unbeatable. The only downside to the 26-year-old is the fact that he has a knack for picking up injuries. That being said, he’s still worth every penny. For Chelsea to have two dynamic, potential match winners on either wing is absolutely reason enough to pay the fee. Granted he will come at a higher price given the new contract he signed with Dortmund. That being said, if Chelsea can convince him to move to West London, he’d be my first choice to move to Stamford Bridge.
Gareth Bale
The fact that Chelsea are constantly linked with the Welshman is incredibly frustrating for several reasons. Firstly, because this deal will/should not happen. Secondly, because Chelsea would have to pay through the roof for Bale, and they don’t need to. Finally, because Bale shouldn’t be leaving the Bernabeu anytime soon, especially considering reports that Madrid’s new coach Benitez will be building his team around Bale, not Ronaldo. That being said, for the sake of analysis, we can still take a look at how he would fit in.
The Welshman’s blistering pace would complement Hazard on the opposite wing, but would probably force Mourinho to change his formation. If he moved to West London, Chelsea would most likely play a 4-3-3 with an attacking trio of Bale, Costa and Hazard. While this is intriguing, I doubt Mourinho is willing to break the bank for the Welshman, or change his prized formation for the 25-year-old.
Douglas Costa
The Brazilian has longed for a move to Stamford Bridge, stating during the January transfer window that Chelsea would be a dream move. He explained that Mourinho is a great coach, and he wanted the opportunity to play for him. This “come and get me plea” from the Brazilian would serve as a good bargaining tool with Shakhtar, Costa’s current club, should Chelsea decide to pursue the 24-year-old. Costa would add more youth to Chelsea’s ranks, and represent a bright option on the wing for Mourinho. The player has shown promise, earning a few call-ups for the Brazilian National Team. If Chelsea were able to secure the young winger for the right price, he may be a great signing for the Blues.
Overall, these are the five options I choose as potential replacements, should Chelsea sell Juan Cuadrado. Most of them would do a good job at Stamford Bridge. It’s up to Chelsea to now once again dominate the transfer market and make the right upgrades in order to build on their success from this season. I’d prefer to sign Reus, but I’d happily settle with the likes of Costa.
