Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to bring Wayne Hennessey to Stamford Bridge as cover for his two preferred goalkeepers in the ongoing transfer window.
According to the Express, Chelsea want to snap up Wayne Hennessey on a free transfer after the goalkeeper left Crystal Palace. The Welsh international is available to join a club on a free transfer after his contract expired on 30th June and Thomas Tuchel wants the experienced shot-stopper to replace Willy Caballero as his third-choice.
Chelsea have two exceptional keepers on their roster, with last season’s signing Edouard Mendy their preferred no.1, and £72 million Kepa Arrizabalaga seemingly present to provide backup. However, as seen in recent seasons, Chelsea have liked to have three quality keepers available at all times, with Willy Caballero filling that position.
Caballero, though, has left the club after his contract expired. And the Blues are now hoping to replace him with Hennessey, who would be available on a Bosman move this summer.
Hennessey missed most of last season due to a thigh injury. When he was fit, Roy Hodgson only kept him on the bench. The keeper made a solitary appearance in an EFL Cup second round tie against Bournemouth. And with the 34-year-old’s contract drawing to a close, Palace decided against a renewal, thus releasing him.
While Chelsea are looking at some high profile targets such as Erling Haaland and also looking to sell some of their unwanted stars, a transfer for Hennessey would surprise many. Considering the player has been completely off the radar. However, Tuchel values the experience of players such as Hennessey and might persuade the club to snap him up on a free transfer imminently.
However, a goalkeeper of Hennessey’s experience could still attract interest from other Premier League or Championship sides. He will probably wait on further interest to evaluate his offers; as with other teams, he could see some game time, while with Chelsea, the prospects would be rare.
Will Hennessey be a valuable addition to this Chelsea squad? In the sense of adding homegrown talent and monetary value, it certainly would do the trick because he will be available for free. Other than that, he might be rarely used on the field, though, even in cup games next season. It will be interesting to see if the Blues push for this move in the coming days.
