The Hard Tackle lists three players Chelsea should pursue in the winter transfer window as they aim to cope with the absence of Levi Colwill.
Chelsea entered the 2025/26 season knowing they were short of reliable options at centre-back, largely due to the unfortunate long-term knee injury suffered by Levi Colwill during pre-season. The 22-year-old Englishman’s absence was a major blow, especially after his impressive development in the last two campaigns as a defensive leader.
While there was an attempt to explore defensive reinforcements in the summer transfer window, the West London club ultimately failed to seal a deal, even though Enzo Maresca was on record to demand a central defender. That now looks like a missed opportunity given the volume of fixtures ahead and the demanding schedule across multiple competitions. That oversight is something the Blues’ recruitment team will be eager to correct in the winter transfer window.
On paper, Chelsea’s central defensive unit appears well-equipped, boasting depth in numbers and diversity in profiles. With Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and the versatile Jorrel Hato, Maresca has several options to rotate. However, scratch beneath the surface and the situation becomes far less secure.
Fofana is only recently back from his latest injury layoff, while Disasi and Badiashile face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. So, Colwill’s absence still leaves Maresca without a natural balance between attacking build-up play and defensive solidity on the left side. Chelsea must ensure they have a blend of youth, experience, and tactical flexibility. Any exits in January would only heighten the urgency for reinforcements.
As such, signing a centre-back this winter feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity, considering Chelsea will aim to offload Disasi at the first opportunity. The right acquisition could strengthen the West London club’s defensive stability, provide leadership in high-pressure moments, and offer tactical versatility against different opponents.
With the Premier League, domestic cups, and UEFA Champions League campaigns to navigate, depth and quality at the heart of the defence will be vital. So, The Hard Tackle lists three centre-backs Chelsea should seriously consider targeting when the transfer window reopens in January.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite, at just 23 years of age, presents an intriguing option for Chelsea as they look to bolster their central defensive options in the winter transfer window. Despite his age, the Englishman has already accumulated valuable Premier League experience with Everton, showcasing a blend of composure on the ball and physicality that is crucial for modern centre-backs.
The youngster’s ability to read the game, combined with strong aerial prowess, makes him a reliable figure at the heart of the defence. He is also capable of managing high-intensity battles against some of the top attackers in the Premier League. For Chelsea, amid the need to reinforce the backline with a long-term view, Branthwaite offers the balance of immediate readiness and potential for growth.
One of the standout aspects of Branthwaite’s profile is his ability to play out from the back, something Chelsea’s tactical setup demands. His ball-playing skills will allow Chelsea to build attacks methodically while maintaining defensive solidity. Additionally, he has experience in various defensive systems, which speaks to his tactical versatility.
However, Chelsea will not be alone in their race to sign Branthwaite. Widespread reports have linked the Everton defender with Liverpool and Manchester United, with the two Premier League bigwigs considering a potential move. This interest from two of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals underscores Branthwaite’s appeal but also complicates the West London club’s chances of securing the player.
Nevertheless, Branthwaite fits the bill of a young, talented, and technically capable centre-back who can offer immediate and long-term benefits for Chelsea’s defensive setup. The competition from major rivals may pose a challenge, but the Blues’ current defensive uncertainties and the player’s profile make him a compelling target in the winter transfer window.
Ousmane Diomande
Our next option is Ousmane Diomande, the dynamic 21-year-old centre-back from Sporting CP. The Ivory Coast international stands out as an ideal candidate to fortify Chelsea’s defence in the winter transfer window. The highly-rated defender possesses an impressive combination of physicality, vision, and speed, making him ideally suited for the demands of Premier League football.
The youngster’s aerial prowess and comfort on the ball allow him to dominate in both defensive and build-up phases. So, he will seamlessly fit the style Enzo Maresca strives for at the back. At 1.90m, he not only excels in duels but also brings a reassuring presence in set-pieces situations, making him an appealing option for Premier League clubs.
Diomande’s experience at Sporting CP, including exposure to European competitions, has accelerated his development and matured his understanding of various tactical systems. His ability to play out from the back confidently aligns with Chelsea’s possession-based philosophy. Meanwhile, his speed serves as an insurance policy against high lines or aggressive pressing.
However, Chelsea’s push for Diomande’s signature will be complicated, as other elite clubs, including Liverpool, are keen on signing him. The Reds have placed him on their shortlist ahead of January, and other European bigwigs have also monitored his progress intensely. That will likely add urgency for Chelsea to act swiftly if they wish to avoid a bidding war for his signature.
Nevertheless, Diomande’s physical attributes, technical skills, and high ceiling would address key gaps in Chelsea’s current defensive roster while providing long-term stability. However, with several bigwigs circling, Chelsea must be both decisive and creative to secure one of the most coveted young defenders on the market.
Marc Guehi
Finally, Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace captain, offers Chelsea the ideal blend of Premier League experience, leadership, and technical proficiency as they look to bolster their defence in the winter transfer window. The Englishman has extensive Premier League experience and has been the skipper in Palace’s FA Community Shield win over Liverpool, thus combining maturity with a relentless work ethic and a calm presence under pressure.
The Englishman’s ability to read the game effortlessly makes him particularly effective in high-stress situations, qualities Chelsea lacked during injury crises and squad rotations of late. In addition, the 25-year-old defender’s defensive style is defined by disciplined marking, intelligent positioning, and a low propensity for reckless fouling. He is rarely caught out of position while being a reliable 1v1 defender, excelling at blocking shots and crosses close to goal.
While the English international may not be dominant in aerial duels compared to some Premier League peers, his clean tackling and anticipation help compensate, especially in systems requiring defenders to break lines or press high. Guehi’s Premier League experience means he can adapt quickly to the demands at Chelsea, and his prior time in the club’s academy system would allow for a smooth transition both on and off the pitch. However, Chelsea will face a fierce contest for Guehi’s signature.
Liverpool came within hours of signing him on deadline day in the summer transfer window, only for the move to collapse when Crystal Palace failed to secure a replacement. The player’s contractual situation means Crystal Palace may be under pressure to sell in January rather than risk losing him for free. He is also a target for Real Madrid, and Guehi himself is reported to be keen on joining the Spanish club. Adding to this, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are monitoring developments closely as they, too, search for defensive reinforcements.
Nonetheless, for Chelsea, landing Guehi will not only address a pressing need for reliable, homegrown defensive cover but also deny other bigwigs a major upgrade at the back. The Englishman’s leadership, top-level experience, and familiarity with the demands of Stamford Bridge make him a near-perfect candidate to stabilise and inspire Chelsea’s backline in the critical second half of the season.
