Chelsea’s decision to overlook a move for England defender Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window has come under fierce criticism following a major injury to key centre-back Levi Colwill. With defensive frailties now exposed, former Premier League star Jermaine Pennant has labelled the call “absolutely crackers”—a move that could significantly impact the Blues’ campaign.
Jermaine Pennant Blasts Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Jermaine Pennant did not hold back when discussing Chelsea’s lack of urgency in strengthening their backline after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury that will keep him sidelined for the bulk of the 2025/26 season. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former winger criticized the Blues for not swooping in for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi—a player who was nearly signed by Liverpool on deadline day for £35 million before the deal collapsed.
Pennant argued Chelsea should have capitalized on the opportunity, even if it meant paying a premium.
“That one is absolutely crackers,” he said. “You lose your main centre-back for the season and Guehi’s there for £40 million—you do the deal. Simple as that.”
Chelsea’s Defensive Depth Put to the Test
Since Colwill’s injury, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has had to shuffle his defensive options, regularly starting Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah. Wesley Fofana, just returning from injury himself, featured against Manchester United in a narrow 2-1 defeat, but questions remain about the stability of the current defensive lineup.
Guehi, who had previously come through Chelsea’s academy, would have provided both Premier League experience and familiarity with the club. Instead, the 23-year-old remains at Selhurst Park—leaving Chelsea fans wondering what might have been.
Jamie Carragher Joins the Critics
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also voiced frustration at Chelsea’s ongoing struggles under the Clearlake Capital ownership. In a stinging analysis, Carragher highlighted the club’s lack of progress despite massive investment.
“My criticism is that after three and a half years, you’re still turning up at Old Trafford with a defence and goalkeeper that can’t compete for the league,” Carragher said. “When Chelsea were winning titles, they had Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois in goal—top quality. Right now, this team just doesn’t measure up.”
Carragher’s remarks echo growing concern among supporters who feel the club’s recruitment under the new regime has lacked both direction and end-product.
Injury Concerns Continue with Cole Palmer
Adding to Maresca’s worries is the fitness of star attacker Cole Palmer, who is dealing with a lingering groin problem. Maresca confirmed in a recent press conference that Palmer is being evaluated daily and made a significant effort to play in last weekend’s clash, despite not being fully fit.
“He did a huge effort to try and play,” Maresca said. “He wasn’t 100%, but he wanted to be there for his teammates. It was too painful, so we had to make the change. We’ll monitor him day by day.”
Asked whether Palmer might require surgery, Maresca downplayed the possibility, saying: “The medical staff haven’t mentioned anything about surgery so far. I don’t expect that to be the case.”
With Colwill out for the season and doubts lingering over Palmer’s fitness, Chelsea’s squad depth is under severe scrutiny. The decision not to pursue Marc Guehi—now deemed a missed opportunity by pundits—could come back to haunt the Blues as they fight to stay competitive in an unforgiving Premier League campaign.
