What difference can 12 months make?
Chelsea The team has re-established itself as a real force in English football under new coach Enzo Maresca, who continues to ignore talk of a title challenge despite approaching Christmas sitting second in the Premier League table.
The new manager has repeatedly insisted that Chelsea's young squad is not yet ready for such a pressured environment, although whether you actually believe him is up to you.
However, there are still some potential holes in Maresca's squad, with the January transfer window providing an opportunity to strengthen and push forward in the remainder of the season.
Let's take a look at Chelsea's transfer wishlist for January 2025.
In Enzo Fernandes and Moses Caicedo, Chelsea have two of the best midfielders in world football. Behind them, Romeo Lavia also does a great job. However, the depth beyond that left a little to be desired.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arrived in the summer for £30m, but has largely served as an emergency reserve player, playing most of his minutes in the Conference League and rarely being involved in the squad for Premier League matches. An exit seems likely, whether in January or in the summer.
Putting too much faith in three midfielders as we approach a hectic schedule and conference league opponents who may need more than reserves would be a huge risk for Maresca, who may want to dip into the transfer market to find more reliable cover.
Main objectives
It's hard to know where Chelsea go here. The Blues are unlikely to spend any significant amount of money given Caicedo and Fernandes ahead of them, while they may look to keep their focus on youth rather than experience.
Sporting CP Dario Esugu He has emerged as a potential target, while reports have also suggested that Chelsea will move to Milan Youssef Fofana Or Atletico Madrid Pablo Barrios.
Chelsea could look to bring back a player from loan. Andre Santos is impressing for Strasbourg and should probably be given the chance to continue the season in France, while Leslie Ugochukwu is certain to see his loan at Southampton end unless new Saints boss Ivan Juric pledges to increase his minutes.
Chelsea certainly don't need another striker, but their plans are thrown into disarray after Mykhailo Modric's failed drug test. The Ukraine international has been temporarily suspended pending a full investigation which could result in a ban of up to four years if found guilty.
Jadon Sancho continues to start on the left anyway, and Chelsea have both Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku in theory, but Maresca does not appear to trust either player in that wide role.
Youngster Tyreek George was recently promoted to the first team, but whether the 18-year-old is ready to be Sancho's direct deputy is another question.
Main objectives
Fans have already started dreaming about the sports club Nico Williamsand reports also cast Bayern Munich Leroy Sane Into the mix as he approaches the end of his contract with Bavaria.
Indeed, Chelsea are unlikely to spend big here – at least while awaiting the final outcome of the Modric case – but a loan move could really make sense.
Manchester United Marcus Rashford He could be available but a move to Chelsea is only possible if the Blues make Sancho's loan permanent in January as clubs are not allowed more than one loanee from the same team. It is unclear whether Chelsea are interested in pursuing a pricey deal or not.
Reports of interest to Borussia Dortmund Karim Adeyemi He refused to calm down and could make sense if, as some have claimed, Dortmund are looking to sell to raise cash.
Perhaps Chelsea's biggest job in January is putting the finishing touches on Maresca's side's final round exit.
Vice captain Ben ChilwellDespite his popularity behind the scenes, he has only been given 45 minutes and undoubtedly needs to leave, both for the good of his career and to ease the burden on Chelsea's wage bill.
Carne Chukwuemeka They should be lent, rather than sold, while shows can be entertained Cesar Cassady Amid rumors of interest from the Italian League. Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, Marco Goyo and Christopher Nkunku Everyone must decide whether they are happy as a team player or whether they want to pursue a transfer elsewhere.
