English Premier League
Celestine Babayaro urges Ben Chilwell to leave Chelsea
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Chelsea left-back Celestine Babayaro has advised current defender Ben Chilwell to consider leaving the club in search of more playing time.
Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020, Chilwell has made 107 appearances, but his recent situation at the club has left him on the sidelines.
The 27-year-old has had limited opportunities under manager Enzo Maresca this season, making just one appearance in the Carabao Cup and remaining an unused substitute on another occasion.
Despite signing a lucrative four-year deal last year worth approximately £200,000 a week, Chilwell has been excluded from the first-team squad, with Maresca citing concerns over a potential injury risk.
Babayaro, who was a key figure at left-back during his time at Chelsea, believes Chilwell must consider moving on to revive his career.
Speaking to Ladbrokes, Babayaro said, “In terms of players who might need to look at moving on, I’m looking at Ben Chilwell. I love him – he’s actually one of my favourite left-backs. But he can’t seem to get himself fit.”
He added, “He’s the sort of person who I’m looking at, who probably needs to think about his career. You know, he’s not as young as he once was, so he’s got to be thinking, ‘If I’m not getting games here, I need to move’.”
Chilwell, now 28, may be given the chance to leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.
However, despite being surplus to requirements under Maresca, there has yet to be “firm interest” in the England international from other clubs.
Babayaro’s comments reflect growing concerns over Chilwell’s future at Chelsea if his situation does not change soon.
