Transfer: Chelsea Receives Two ‘Bad News’

Chelsea were hit with two setbacks earlier today, July 18, as the club’s defender Wesley Fofana undergoes surgery that will keep him out of football for several months.

Wesley Fofana’s anterior cruciate surgery was successful but Chelsea will not be able to use him during pre-season and in the first few months of the 2023-2024 season.

The Blues travelled to the United States for a 5-match US tour without the 22-year-old French defender who had to stay back to undergo a medical assessment.

After the assessment of his kneel, Wesley Fofana who joined Chelsea from Leicester City last summer for a transfer fee worth £70 million was mandated to undergo surgery.

“Wesley will now begin his recovery and work with the club’s medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase,” a statement from Chelsea added.

While Chelsea are trying to move on from Wesley Fofana’s fitness issues, Brighton turned down a second bid from the club for midfielder Moises Caicedo, which is said to be worth over £70 million.

The Ecuadorian international asked to leave Brighton in January due to Arsenal’s interest. Brighton declined, and Caicedo later agreed to a new contract that would last until 2027.

So far this summer, Chelsea have shown the most interest in signing the 21-year-old, but Brighton have been the major obstacle to the deal.

Chelsea will play Brighton in the opening game of the six-team Premier League preseason tournament on Saturday with Caicedo in attendance.

While the Brighton team will leave for the United States today, Caicedo, who has an extra day off, will fly straight from Ecuador to the United States later in the week.