The beginning of 2026 has been nothing short of tumultuous for Chelsea.
New Year’s Day was marked by the departure of Enzo Maresca, and on Sunday, interim manager Calum McFarlane led the team to a commendable 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Shortly after this match, rumors circulated that Liam Rosenior, the manager of Strasbourg, was in London to finalize his contract with Chelsea.
Chelsea’s Search for a Neto Upgrade
With a challenging managerial situation and fluctuating performance, Chelsea entered Sunday’s match as considerable underdogs.
Despite a weaker start, Chelsea showed promising form in the second half, earning a deserved point. However, several players, including Neto, faltered, contributing to an overall lackluster performance.
Neto, in particular, struggled significantly by not managing a shot on target, squandering a key opportunity, losing possession twelve times, and achieving only a 50% success rate on dribbles.
Vinícius Júnior vs. Neto
Given Chelsea’s potential pursuit of a new player, reports indicate they are considering a significant acquisition of Vinícius Júnior, with a staggering bid of €150 million (approximately £130 million), aiming for a record-breaking transfer in the UK.
Real Madrid has yet to finalize a new contract with Vinícius Jr., and the player seems receptive to a move, adding complexity to Chelsea’s ambitions but also presenting a vital opportunity for improvement over Neto.
Ultimately, while Neto may still serve a role under the forthcoming manager Rosenior, securing Vinícius Júnior could significantly enhance Chelsea’s chances for success. A move to bring in the Brazilian star would be a wise investment, given his exceptional performance metrics compared to Neto.
