Chelsea have decided against signing free agents Yves Bissouma and Georginio Wijnaldum, despite their need for midfield reinforcements following Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City.
Bissouma was offered to the west London club after leaving Tottenham at the end of the 2025/26 season. The Mali international was reportedly attracted by the possibility of signing a short-term contract and remaining in the Premier League, with Ajax and Monaco also understood to have shown interest.
However, Chelsea are not expected to pursue either Bissouma or former Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum. The club’s position on Wijnaldum has also been reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with the 35-year-old now available after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Chelsea’s midfield options after Enzo Fernandez exit
Chelsea completed Fernandez’s permanent transfer to Manchester City shortly before the transfer deadline. The club had hoped to replace the Argentina international with Monaco’s Lamine Camara, but that deal collapsed in the final stages of the window.
Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro later confirmed that the French club had decided to retain Camara, leaving Chelsea without the younger midfield recruit they had targeted.
The decision not to turn to Bissouma or Wijnaldum leaves Chelsea relying on Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Jordan Henderson for the time being. Reece James can also operate in midfield if required.
Bissouma’s availability could prompt interest from elsewhere in England, although Chelsea have judged that neither he nor Wijnaldum fits their plans. The club is instead expected to assess its options ahead of the January transfer window, with Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios reported to be among the players under consideration.
