Which Left-Winger should Chelsea sign?

As Jamie Gittens finds his name splashed across social media following consistent links with the Blues, I take a look at a few other options worth considering...

Against the backdrop of the volatility that presently pervades the European footballing landscape, few clubs have been subjected to scrutiny as intense as that directed at Chelsea’s nascent first-team cohort. With a mean age of merely twenty-four years and twenty-six days—making it the youngest squad in the Premier League and the second youngest across Europe’s five major leagues—the 2024/25 campaign has evolved into a case study in staggered player maturation and iterative managerial recalibration.

Among the Chelsea faithful—ourselves at SPTC HQ included—there has been a persistent and vociferous call for the club’s Sporting Directors to introduce a degree of seasoned experience into the squad. The rationale is twofold: to foster greater tactical consistency on the pitch and to alleviate the psychological burden currently borne by a disproportionately youthful group. It has become increasingly apparent, even to the casual observer, that the squad lacks several essential player profiles—gaps which continue to disrupt cohesion and balance.

Encouragingly, the core of the team is beginning to coalesce, with the midfield in particular showing signs of the harmony supporters envisioned as far back as two seasons prior. Enzo Fernández is maturing into the world-class operator he was long projected to be; Moisés Caicedo has arguably emerged as the Premier League’s most dominant holding midfielder; and Cole Palmer has, since his arrival, exuded a rarefied elegance and incisiveness that borders on the sublime. However, to consolidate this nascent structure, reinforcement is imperative. A goalkeeper, a central defender, and a centre-forward to complement Liam Delap are now viewed as priorities in the ongoing squad build. Moreover, the left flank poses further complications. The future of Mykhailo Mudryk—about whom, as our regular podcast listeners will be all too aware, I remain sentimentally partial—remains unresolved. In parallel, Raheem Sterling appears increasingly likely to depart, and Jadon Sancho’s situation remains ambiguous. As such, the acquisition of a left-sided winger has emerged as a strategic necessity.

Turning our attention to the left-wing position—a zone of increasing strategic importance—it seems timely to explore potential candidates the club could, and perhaps should, consider. While much of our recent discourse has focused on other areas of the pitch, this flank deserves equal scrutiny. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has emerged as a subject of speculation, with credible links tying the twenty-year-old Englishman to the club amid a season of relative turbulence at Borussia Dortmund—a club famously adept at complicating its own fortunes. In light of the fanbase’s growing desire for established, senior experience, the prevailing sentiment around Bynoe-Gittens has been one of tempered enthusiasm, if not disappointment. Many perceive him as a talent who, at present, may not significantly elevate the squad’s ceiling. Yet, within the context of Chelsea’s long-term project—one rooted in youth, development, and high-upside recruitment—there are compelling, structurally coherent arguments in favour of his potential acquisition.

Having played 1700 Bundesliga minutes, producing 11 G/A, and 845 Champions League minutes scoring four goals this season, I would argue the numerical output is actually very impressive for a young player who, respectfully, was a relative unknown 12/18 months ago to the general football audience. Moreover, the data points that stand out to me are his successful take-ons (3.5 per 90) placing him in the top 1% of all attackers in Europe’s Top Five Leagues, his shot volume (2.5 per 90), touches in the opposition box (5.5 per 90) and a collection of defensive data points such as his ability to win duels (7.92 per 90) which is hugely significant for any Premier League suitors. That said, his passing metrics indicate areas for improvement; he averages 25.72 passes per 90 minutes with an 83.04% completion rate, and his cross completion rate stands at 16.33%.

Gittens is not a finished product, obviously. Yet, what he exhibits is a level of potential and experience at an age that perfectly fits the longer-term vision the Owners and Sporting Directors have, coupled with the relatively fair asking price and low-ish wage demands. However, I believe there are very few ready-made wingers that could join the club and provide the experience and guaranteed output that fans desire. Knowing the readership and listenership on this website, I need not list the current top-level left wingers currently plying their trade across Europe, however, for the sake of doing something mildly interesting in a written format, here are a few alternative suggestions that I believe could be considered should the Gittens move fail to materialise:

Malick Fofana

In the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season, Fofana made 29 appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists. His goal involvement rate stands at 0.51 per 90 minutes, with a non-penalty expected goals (npxG) of 0.31 per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 87th percentile among Ligue 1 players. In the UEFA Europa League, he added six goals and one assist in ten matches, a key metric for the club when considering wide options - experience in European competition is vital for most signings.

Eliesse Ben Seghir

In the 2024–25 season, Ben Seghir featured in 46 matches across all competitions, accumulating 2,509 minutes. He netted 9 goals and provided 4 assists, averaging 0.31 goals per 90 minutes and 0.15 assists per 90 minutes . His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stood at 0.33 per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 89th percentile among Ligue 1 players. Seghir is renowned for his dribbling prowess, completing 4.4 dribbles per 90 minutes with a 37.7% success rate, and his ability to generate scoring opportunities, averaging 1.71 key passes per game . However, areas for improvement include his passing accuracy, which stands at 81.6%, and his defensive contributions, with 23 fouls committed and 55 fouls suffered in the league. Whilst not the lights-out fully-fledged option, Seghir is a name worth keeping an eye on.

Alejandro Garnacho

One might instinctively roll their eyes or exhale in quiet exasperation at the mention of Alejandro Garnacho—a name that, for some, elicits more fatigue than fascination. Yet, I ask for a brief suspension of cynicism to consider the merits of a player I hold in high regard. Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign has, by most reasonable accounts, bordered on the shambolic—sporadic moments of brilliance eclipsed by a season-long malaise. Amid this dysfunction, Garnacho has emerged as one of the few consistent glimmers of promise. Whether or not one appreciates his stylistic nuances, it is difficult to refute his contribution during a time of collective underperformance. However, his relationship with manager Rúben Amorim appears to have fractured beyond repair. The Argentine winger, evidently disillusioned with his trajectory at Old Trafford, seems intent on pursuing opportunities elsewhere—and under the current circumstances, one would struggle to fault him for doing so.

In the Premier League, Garnacho played 36 matches (23 starts), totaling 2,195 minutes. He netted 6 goals and contributed 2 assists despite expected goals and assists suggesting he would total closer to 13 G/A. Garnacho is a volume shot-taker (3.6 per 90) putting him in the top four percent of wingers across the Top 5 Leagues, with a shooting accuracy stood at 52.6%, with 30 of his 57 shots on target. He averaged 2.34 shots and 1.60 key passes per 90 minutes, with a pass completion rate of 83.4%. Defensively, he committed 12 fouls and received 3 yellow cards. ​For a player aged only 20 years old, with such vast experience helping to carry the most tumultuous club in world football, I find it hard to believe he would not improve hugely at almost any other team as is the case with anyone who manages to free themselves of the Manchester United manacles.

Serge Gnabry / Leroy Sane

Hear me out - at 29 years of age, with a contract expiring in 2026, Serge Gnabry emerges as a strategically sensible target for Chelsea to consider in the forthcoming transfer window. The German international concluded the 2024/25 season with Bayern Munich, amassing 1,800 minutes across all competitions. In that time, he registered 7 goals and 5 assists—a return that translates to 0.51 goals per 90 minutes and a combined goals and assists rate (G/A) of 0.87 per 90. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes stood at an impressive 0.47, placing him within the 95th percentile of Bundesliga attackers.

While concerns surrounding Gnabry's recurring injury record are valid, they should not obscure the broader context of his market value and proven output. In contrast to younger, high-potential options commanding exorbitant fees, Gnabry represents an astute, cost-effective alternative—one who exudes technical quality, clinical finishing, and excellent ball striking. It is plausible to envision a rotational dynamic wherein he shares responsibilities with a younger left-wing partner, preserving fitness while contributing meaningfully. Though his wage demands may present an obstacle, it is likely that—absent a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia—he will need to moderate expectations in line with current market realities. A two- or three-year contract would thus constitute a low-risk, high-upside acquisition.

In contrast to Gnabry, Leroy Sané’s contract situation offers a different scenario: the winger is currently out of contract at Bayern Munich, though the club has tabled an extension. Given his capacity to deliver moments of brilliance even with limited minutes, this move by the Bavarians is entirely logical. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, Sané featured in 30 matches (17 starts), producing 17 goal contributions. Statistically, he ranks within the top 2% of all wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for shots per 90 minutes (3.8) and non-penalty expected goals (0.48). Furthermore, he is among the top 1% for progressive passes received (15.17 per 90), a metric that underscores his suitability for a side reliant on incisive ball progression.

In a Chelsea side boasting distributors such as Enzo Fernández, Reece James, and Cole Palmer, Sané would likely thrive as a dynamic end-point for their forward thrusts. While his current salary—earned during a prolific spell at Manchester City and sustained at Bayern—is substantial, it reflects a level of performance that few wide players can replicate. The principal challenge, beyond wage negotiations, may come in the form of competition from clubs such as Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to bring the winger to north London.

In sum, both Gnabry and Sané present distinct but compelling cases for Chelsea. The former offers experience, efficiency, and affordability; the latter, explosive quality and elite statistical output. Each would enhance Chelsea’s attacking options in nuanced ways. While neither deal is without its complications, both warrant serious consideration from the club’s recruitment team.

Xavi Simons

Capable of operating fluidly across the entire attacking front, Xavi Simons emerges, in my estimation, as the most compelling option for Chelsea’s forward recruitment—albeit one whose acquisition remains, realistically, improbable. Simons represents a rare convergence of youth and elite-level experience: the elusive midpoint in the Venn diagram between high-potential prospect and seasoned professional.

Having honed his craft within two of the most prestigious academies in world football—Barcelona’s La Masia and Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system—Simons made his senior debut for PSG in 2021. A move to PSV Eindhoven in 2022 offered him consistent minutes and saw him flourish, scoring 19 goals in 34 Eredivisie appearances. His return to PSG was brief, as a subsequent loan and permanent move to RB Leipzig in early 2025, valued at over €50 million, affirmed his rising stock.

In the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, Simons contributed 10 goals and 6 assists in 25 matches, averaging 45.6 passes per game at an 83.1% completion rate, alongside 2.14 key passes per 90. His creative output is underscored by an expected assists (xA) value of 0.32 per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile of Bundesliga players. Beyond his playmaking, Simons ranks in the top four percent of all attackers across Europe’s top five leagues for possession won in the final third (0.88 per 90)—a metric increasingly valued by Enzo Maresca and Chelsea’s recruitment team. With Leipzig missing out on European competition and Benjamin Šeško likely departing, Simons’ long-term future in Saxony appears far from secure—particularly with his contract entering its penultimate year. He will get fans on their feet, score goals, create goals. A talismanic player every club should be considering - I am sure they are.

Now, given this article is long enough I need not continue to list players I think would be of interest to Chelsea for fear of putting both you dear reader and myself asleep. Nonetheless, I believe it important to note that, truthfully, the “lights-out world-class” left wing options are a very small pool that would cost the club a significant fee, and honestly I think the players who would fall into this category have cemented positions in their teams. Furthermore, I believe that this current squad has greater needs than an elite left-winger given the dearth of quality in the goalkeeping position, lack of seniority and experience in central defence, and lack of clinical finishing at centre forward. Tyrique George is highlight promising but less developed than all of the names presented in this list encouraging me to lean toward the notion that he may require a loan move in order to acquire the necessary minutes. Jadon Sancho has natural ability in abundance, and has performed well enough that his reputation is at a slightly higher level than it was throughout his time at Manchester United, but from what I can see I am unconvinced he has the capacity to attain the world-class level he has previously reached at Dortmund, but player development is rarely linear, and I could be proven wrong.

Would I spend the money on Sancho? Perhaps. For me, it depends on how best the triptych of key areas that need improving are improved. However, I currently am not of the opinion that Chelsea require a high-volume goalscorer from wide positions, although a few more goals from those areas than we have witnessed over the 2024/25 season would not go amiss.

Jai Mcintosh