Liam Rosenior picks his first Chelsea signing as Blues’ transfer plans change

Robin Bairner

16 Jan 2026 08:13 GMT
4 min read

Liam Rosenior will replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea — © IMAGO

New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has identified the priority signings that he wants to make for the Stamford Bridge club before the January transfer window closes.

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Although the Blues are tipped to have a rather quieter window than in recent times, Rosenior has gone public that he ideally wants his team to be reinforced.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the former Strasbourg boss said, however, that he will not rush into deals for the sake of it.

"I think if we do make signings, it needs to be the right player," he told the media. "We need to be patient. I want to assess the group - it's really, really important to me.

"I like to give the players I work with a chance to show some good surprises. We still have time. We have conversations every day, myself and the board, about potential transfers, both out and in, but at the same time, I need to focus on the players in the building. If I feel it's the right time or the right player, then we'll make that decision."

© IMAGO - Liam Rosenior, Chelsea manager

Rosenior targets two centre-backs

Following the 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Arsenal in midweek, Rosenior has reassessed his plans for the squad and now wants to make signings he was prepared to hold off until the summer immediately, according to The Telegraph.

At the very top of the list, the new Chelsea manager wants to sign a centre-back.

With Levi Colwill out long-term and Wesley Fofana persistently struggling with injury concerns, the Blues have been left short in the heart of their defence.

Compared

Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

VS

Jacobo Ramón

D (C)

Como

Jacobo Ramón

D (C)

Como

€17.8M	ETV	€10M
€16M - €19.6M	ETV Range	€9M - €11M
20 years old (13 Jul, 2005)	Age	21 years old (06 Jan, 2005)
France	Nationality	Spain

Having rotated three of the four members of his defence against Arsenal, Rosenior has seen for himself the lack of depth available and wants at least one more player.

Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and former Real Madrid star Jacobo Ramon, who now plays with Como, are at the top of the list. Both players are capable of playing out from the back, which is the key attribute that the manager wants from his players.

Other possible signings

While Chelsea are likely to strengthen their defence, there are other areas of the field they could rush to make signings before the transfer window is out.

The Telegraph reports that both a midfield and a versatile attacker could arrive at Stamford Bridge if the right opportunity arises.

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