Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has recommended that the Blues acquire three new players, all over the age of 30, to support their young squad in the upcoming season.
Under BlueCo’s ownership, Chelsea has implemented a strategy focused on signing young players with potential on long-term contracts.
Nevertheless, the absence of experience within the team has undoubtedly impacted the Premier League giants negatively. Currently, they sit ninth in the standings and face a risk of not qualifying for European football next season.
Cole asserts that Chelsea requires seasoned players to step in and assist them next season. He mentioned John Stones as a prime candidate. The 31-year-old defender from Manchester City is set to depart the Etihad at the end of the season.
According to Cole, Robert Lewandowski is another player who would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge. The forward from Barcelona is also nearing the conclusion of his contract at Camp Nou, and Cole is confident that he could participate in 35 matches a season for Chelsea on a one-year contract, aiding players like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Cole told The Sun, “I think of experienced players who can come into the squad and help out immediately. So you’re looking at who’s available – I’m thinking players like John Stones, [Robert] Lewandowski, he’s coming to the end of his contract, we need a centre-forward.
“He probably fancies the Premier League and living in London, give him a year-long contract to come and play 35 games for us and help out Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. They need those types of players.”
The former footballer turned pundit also acknowledged that 35-year-old Jordan Henderson should be considered by Chelsea. He highlighted how Brentford has improved since Henderson’s arrival last summer.
Cole also reminded everyone that he had previously urged the Blues to pursue a move for Henderson last summer, but many dismissed his suggestion with laughter.
He continued, “Jordan Henderson, I said Jordan Henderson last season and people laughed. Look at what Brentford Football Club have done, and nobody’s going, ‘hold on a minute’.
“I know he’s not been blowing the doors off on Match of the Day. But he sets the tone, and he’s helped players around him, all the intangible things you can’t see. We spent all this money on young players, but they have no one around them.”
Chelsea next face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether they can draw confidence from the 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League.