Chelsea Transfers: 5 Left-Back Replacements For Ashley Cole
5. Ryan Bertrand
With the transfer window open once more, Jose Mourinho could choose to scout the market for a replacement for Ashley Cole, or he could look at what he already has at his disposal. Ryan Bertrand is possibly facing the biggest summer of his career, having spent all of last season on loan at Aston Villa. The 24-year-old has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge but with Cole set to depart, the young left-back may have more of a look in from next season. Ill go back to Chelsea in the summer and if they want me to play then that would be great, Bertrand said earlier this month.
Should it be other options, I suppose the ball is in their court."
Bertrand began his career at Chelsea as a youth team player but has seen himself farmed out on loan numerous times since, spending time at Bournemouth, Oldham, Norwich, Reading, Nottingham Forest and recently Aston Villa. And now is the time for Mourinho to decide if the defender has a long-term future at Chelsea, and if he is capable of stepping into Cole's shoes. Its something well sit down and talk about in the summer. At this stage in my career I need to be playing. I don't want to be sat on the bench next season, so that is something we will discuss in the summer," the youngster admitted.
For me personally I feel Im more than ready. I deserve the chance to play there consistently, having had the experiences that I have done under numerous managers."
Quite whether Mourinho will give Bertrand the opportunity to succeed Cole is another matter.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
