Chelsea’s 12 Signings Alongside Raheem Sterling: A Detailed Look at Where They Are Now
Chelsea Football Club has been a whirlwind of activity in recent years, with a revolving door of players, managers, and financial challenges. The summer of 2022 was no exception, as the Blues made a slew of signings alongside the high-profile acquisition of Raheem Sterling. Let’s take a closer look at where these signings are now and how they have fared since their arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Beach: The Young Goalkeeper
One of Chelsea’s signings in the summer of 2022 was young goalkeeper Eddie Beach, who joined the club from Southampton’s academy for an undisclosed fee. Despite his potential, Beach has yet to make his senior debut for Chelsea and has been sent out on loan to clubs like Chelmsford City and Gateshead. Currently, Beach is plying his trade at League One club Crawley Town on a season-long loan as they aim to avoid relegation.
Omari Hutchinson: The Promising Prospect
Omari Hutchinson was another exciting prospect signed by Chelsea in 2022, coming from Arsenal’s academy. While there were high hopes for Hutchinson to break into the senior team quickly, he only made a handful of appearances before being loaned out to Ipswich Town. Hutchinson played a key role in Ipswich’s promotion from the Championship and eventually joined the club on a permanent transfer in 2024. With promising performances in his new team, Hutchinson looks set for a bright future.
Wesley Fofana: The Injured Center-back
Wesley Fofana’s time at Chelsea has been marred by injuries, limiting his playing time since his arrival from Leicester City in 2022. Despite a hefty price tag and high expectations, Fofana has struggled to stay fit and make an impact on the pitch. However, there are signs of hope as Fofana has started Chelsea’s first two league matches of the 2024-25 season, showing glimpses of his potential in the team’s defense.
Marc Cucurella: The European Champion
Marc Cucurella, a familiar name to Chelsea fans, is still with the club and has added a new title to his resume—a European Champion. Known for his flamboyant style both on and off the pitch, Cucurella has become a fan favorite with his antics. Despite some criticism, Cucurella’s performances have been solid, and his winning mentality has been a valuable asset to the team.
Kalidou Koulibaly: The Departed Defender
Kalidou Koulibaly’s brief stint at Chelsea was unremarkable, with the defender failing to make a lasting impact before moving to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Despite his underwhelming performance at Chelsea, Koulibaly found success in Saudi Arabia, winning a domestic treble with his new club. His departure from Stamford Bridge may have been a blessing in disguise, as Koulibaly thrived in a new environment and found success on the pitch.
Carney Chukwuemeka: The Young Midfielder
Carney Chukwuemeka’s time at Chelsea has been marred by injuries, preventing the promising midfielder from showcasing his talents on a consistent basis. Despite flashes of brilliance, Chukwuemeka’s progress has been hampered by setbacks, leading to speculation about a potential move away from the club. AC Milan has been rumored as a potential destination for Chukwuemeka, where he could reignite his career alongside fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Gabriel Slonina: The Young Goalkeeper
Gabriel Slonina, known as Gaga, made headlines as the youngest goalkeeper to appear for the USMNT before joining Chelsea in 2022. After spending time on loan at clubs like Eupen and Barnsley, Slonina has shown immense potential and is seen as one for the future. With valuable experience gained from various loan spells, Slonina’s development as a goalkeeper is closely monitored by Chelsea as they look to groom him into a top talent.
Zak Sturge: The Promising Defender
Zak Sturge, a young left-back signed by Chelsea in 2022, has been on a journey of development, spending time in the club’s academy and on loan at Peterborough United. Despite limited opportunities, Sturge’s growth as a player is evident, and his potential is recognized by the club. With a recall from loan in 2024, Sturge’s progress at Chelsea is closely watched as he aims to establish himself in the first team.
Tyler Dibling: The Returning Forward
Tyler Dibling’s brief stint at Chelsea’s academy in 2022 was short-lived, as the forward returned to Southampton after struggling to settle in. Since his return, Dibling has featured in Southampton’s Premier League games, showcasing his abilities and potential in the top flight. The decision to return to his former club has proven beneficial for Dibling, as he continues to make strides in his career.
Cesare Casadei: The Loanee Midfielder
Cesare Casadei, a talented midfielder signed by Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2022, has had a mixed experience at the club. After loan spells at Reading and Leicester City, Casadei finds himself back at Chelsea, facing competition for playing time in a crowded squad. Despite challenges, Casadei’s talent is undeniable, and he remains a player to watch as he navigates his career at Stamford Bridge.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: The Veteran Forward
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s time at Chelsea was short-lived, with the veteran forward failing to make a significant impact during his lone season at the club. Despite his struggles, Aubameyang found success at Marseille, rediscovering his form and scoring goals consistently. With a move to Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, Aubameyang continues his career in a new environment, showcasing his talent and experience on the pitch.
Denis Zakaria: The Loanee Midfielder
Denis Zakaria’s loan spell at Chelsea was uneventful, with the midfielder failing to make an impact before moving on to Monaco. Despite the lackluster performance, Zakaria has found success at his new club, establishing himself as a key player in the midfield. With a fresh start at Monaco, Zakaria continues to impress with his skill and contribution to the team.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s 2022 signings alongside Raheem Sterling have had varying degrees of success and struggles since their arrival at the club. While some players have thrived and made significant contributions, others have faced challenges and setbacks along the way. As the club continues to evolve and adapt, the future remains uncertain for these players, but their resilience and determination will undoubtedly shape their careers in the years to come.