Soccer
Why Chalobah is a Fab signing for Cesc's Champions League-bound Como
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Trevoh Chalobah was finally confirmed as a Como player yesterday — and Chelsea’s loss is definitely the Italian side’s gain.
As a graduate of the club's academy, every penny of the fee will go on the books as pure profit.
But as Blues fans made clear following news of the £25.7million deal, which is said to include a further £5.1m in potential add-ons, Chalobah should not have been surplus to requirements.
Indeed, it makes little sense from a playing perspective to part company with an England international in his prime who truly loves the club.
While we don’t know new boss Xabi Alonso’s feelings on the matter, offloading squad player Tosin Adarabioyo, the injury-prone Wesley Fofana or outcast Axel Disasi would have been a better option.
One or more of those players may still leave but it cannot be denied that owners BlueCo had pound signs in their eyes from the moment Como first expressed interest in Chalobah last month.
Chelsea’s approach under the Americans is vastly different to how Roman Abramovich did things — and the philosophy does not sit well with supporters.
But while the Blues face a season without European competition, Chalobah can look forward to Champions League football under rising managerial star Cesc Fabregas.
"I’m thrilled and honored to be here at Como,” said the 27-year-old centre-back. “It’s an ambitious, rising project and working with Cesc again is truly special.
“I can’t wait to bring my experience to the team, feel the incredible atmosphere at the stadium and connect with the fans. I will give my absolute all every single day to make history together.”
Comfortable in possession and physically imposing, Chalobah adds athleticism, versatility, leadership and experience to Como’s squad.
He made 151 appearances for the Blues, including 47 last term, after joining the club’s academy at under-nine level.
As well as lifting the Club World Cup twice, the defender won the FA Cup, the Super Cup and Conference League with his boyhood club.
Despite never letting down a succession of managers and filling in at full-back when required, Chalobah was loaned to Ipswich, Huddersfield, Lorient and Crystal Palace during his time in West London.
While Chelsea were happy to cash in, Fabregas is fully aware he is getting a player determined to hit even higher heights.
Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Como’s head coach, who played for the Blues from 2014 to 2019, said: "Trevoh is an important signing for us and a player who represents the level of ambition we have.
“He has competed and won at the highest level, but he is also hungry to begin a new chapter and continue improving.
“He gives us strength, speed and personality in defence, as well as the technical quality to build from the back.
“He is a leader who can raise the level of the team. I am very happy he has chosen Como."
Having tasted World Cup football with England earlier this summer, Chalobah will be champing at the bit to get going in Serie A.
And if he displays the same level of commitment as he did at Stamford Bridge, Como fans will quickly take to him.
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