Former Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair believes the club must prioritise signing an experienced leader this summer to help Liam Rosenior’s young squad reach the next level.
“The team is full of young players, good quality young players, but I think you also need some experienced heads in there,” Sinclair told OLBG.
“Looking back at Thiago Silva, I’m sure he was a sort of father figure in the dressing room, coming in and keeping everyone in line. I think they need to bring someone similar to him back as an experienced player to have that presence.”
Despite a difficult exit from the Champions League recently, Sinclair has backed Rosenior to succeed if the board shows patience during this transitional period. Rosenior was appointed as the head coach of Chelsea in January on a six-and-a-half-year deal, succeeding Enzo Maresca.
“I think bringing Liam Rosenior was a great move personally,” he said. “You’re going to have to give him time. For any Chelsea manager coming in, you’re going to have to give him time to build and put his own stamp on the team.”
Sinclair also weighed in on the future of Cole Palmer, who has been Chelsea’s standout performer. Amidst speculative links to Manchester United, Sinclair suggests it would take a world-record fee to even tempt the club into a sale.
“He’s a top player, probably one of the best in the Premier League. I’m sure that sort of price tag, maybe £200 million, will come along,” Sinclair added.
“From the outside, I think he seems happy enough and is enjoying his football. I don’t think he’d be looking elsewhere. But if Chelsea don’t make the Champions League spot, then that’s up to him to decide.”