Why Chelsea’s Planned ‘Marquee’ Signing Could Backfire – And Two Smarter Targets They Should Chase Instead
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a star in Serbia, has been linked to Chelsea, but WANDERLUSTSPORT can explain why the move might not be the ideal one and which midfield players the Blues should seek instead.
Milinkovic-Savic gained notoriety in Italy while playing for Lazio from August 2015 until July 2023. During that period, he made 341 appearances for the team, tallying 69 goals and 58 assists.
Lazio won two Supercoppa Italianas and one Coppa Italia thanks to the versatile midfielder, who can play in any of the No. 10, No. 8, or No. 6 positions.
Trending
During his time in Serie A, Milinkovic-Savic was frequently linked to a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea mentioned as possible suitors.
However, two years ago, the athlete signed a lucrative contract with Al-Hilal and moved to Saudi Arabia. Chelsea News calls Milinkovic-Savic a “marquee” target, and the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claims that Chelsea has identified him as a possible summer 2026 signing.
When Enzo Maresca’s contract with Al-Hilal expires in June, his team is interested in signing him on a free transfer.
On the surface, such a deal would seem to make sense, but WANDERLUSTSPORT is not totally convinced because there would be no transfer fee.
According to reports, Milinkovic-Savic makes an incredible €480,000 (£417k) a week in the Middle East. None of the highest-paid players Chelsea wants to have on their books make more than £250,000 a week, so that is much more than they make.
Although Raheem Sterling is reportedly earning an incredible £325,000 per week, Chelsea will attempt to let him go as soon as the January transfer window opens.
Milinkovic-Savic is unlikely to fit into Chelsea’s financial structure, even though he might be willing to lower his pay in order to land a Premier League transfer.
The Blues would like to see younger players at Stamford Bridge realise their full potential on relatively affordable terms rather than overpaying superstars. Second, Milinkovic-Savic’s age of thirty makes him an inappropriate fit for Chelsea.
Yes, he might give Maresca’s young team more experience, but Chelsea might only have him play at the highest level for two or three years before he starts to deteriorate.
Milinkovic-Savic’s fitness will have suffered somewhat from playing in the Saudi Pro League, which is only rated as the 35th hardest league in the world.
Chelsea would be better off sticking to their plan and adding a younger midfield player to go along with players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, who is already succeeding in the Premier League and appears to have elite potential, would be the ideal answer.
Wharton would provide the Chelsea squad quality and composure as he plays the game with relative ease. Marc Casado of Barcelona has also been suggested by Spanish reports to join Chelsea, and he would be a wise addition.
Wharton or Casado should be Chelsea’s top priorities
As Barca looks to better their financial situation, Casado is reportedly on the market for a fair price of €35 million (£30 million).
Despite his lack of Premier League experience, the 22-year-old’s time in the Barcelona academy should pave the way for a prosperous career.
Wharton will be much more expensive than Casado; according to insiders, Palace wants to sell their English treasure for £80 million.
However, Chelsea might be persuaded to pay that much because their supporters would adore seeing Wharton in the spotlight in west London.
It appears that Chelsea and Manchester United will square off in a significant battle for Wharton the following season.
Real Madrid has mentioned Enzo Fernandez as a possible target, but Chelsea has strongly rejected any sale, according to some insider information.
Maresca’s ambitions depend heavily on Fernandez, and Chelsea officials hope to develop their team around the Argentine.
Caicedo has also been speculatively connected to Madrid, but according to multiple sources, Chelsea is preparing contract negotiations to offer the 23-year-old a significant pay increase.
WANDERLUSTSPORT believes that Chelsea is in a strong position to capture a top French player in the upcoming year.
Ivan Toney has been connected to both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur following the striker injuries that shocked both teams.
Toney must return to Europe in order to challenge for a berth in England’s World Cup team, and we can tell you if a Premier League comeback is imminent.
