Liam Rosenior is optimistic that Chelsea can retain their key players this summer, despite a recent downturn that has put their Champions League qualification at risk.
The Blues are battling to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League after managing only one league victory in five matches, which has seen them slip to sixth place ahead of Saturday’s match against Everton.
After suffering an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, marking the club’s largest European loss, midfielder Enzo Fernández expressed uncertainty to ESPN in Argentina about his future at Stamford Bridge.
In January, there were reports suggesting that Cole Palmer was feeling homesick in London and preferred a return to his hometown of Manchester, although Rosenior previously refuted claims that the England international was eager to leave.
Both players are under long-term contracts. Fernández has five years remaining on the agreement he signed upon joining from Benfica for a then British record fee of £107 million ($143m) in 2023, while Palmer’s contract extends until 2032 following an extension agreed two years ago.
Nonetheless, a disheartening defeat to the European champions underscored the disparity between Chelsea’s current performance and that of Europe’s elite, and their capacity to keep their top talents may ultimately depend on their involvement in next season’s Champions League.
“I maintain a very, very good relationship with the players because we communicate regularly,” Rosenior stated, adding that Fernández had informed him he is content at the club.
“We discuss not only football or contract situations but also their personal lives, including their children and their schooling.”
“I share a very close bond with Enzo and the other players. Regarding contracts and their future aspirations, there hasn’t been a single player at this club during my tenure who has indicated a desire to leave this summer.”
“In fact, our discussions are more focused on how we can improve collectively, what steps we need to take to achieve success at this moment. And that is our current focus.”
When asked if Fernández and Palmer wished to remain, he replied: “They enjoy it here.”
Failing to qualify for the Champions League would mean missing out for the third time in four seasons, limiting the club’s financial flexibility.
Alongside decreased revenues, there would be the additional challenge of adhering to UEFA regulations concerning income and expenditure.
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Rosenior refrained from commenting on whether the club might be compelled to sell players if they fail to qualify, asserting that the team’s fate regarding a top-five finish remains within their control.
“In my discussions with the ownership and sporting directors, our plans are not exclusively contingent on whether we qualify for the Champions League,” he stated.
“However, there are many uncertainties. Life is full of uncertainties. Therefore, we must ensure that the ‘if’ we create is as favorable as possible, and we are still positioned to achieve that.”
