Alan Hutton has told Chelsea the decision to let Edouard Mendy go is the result of a “strange situation” and will see the Blues “lose a lot of money”.
Mendy’s Chelsea career has followed an intriguing path. When he came to the club in 2020, he was immediately given the no.1 spot, usurping Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard had held the position for two years prior to Mendy joining, before falling out of favour.
Mendy was the obvious choice in goal for the first two years of his time at the club. He established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
However, when given opportunities, Kepa was also generally a safe option. When Graham Potter took charge at Stamford Bridge this season, he opted to use the Spaniard as his no.1.
Since Potter took charge, Mendy has hardly played, and while that’s partly down to injury, it’s unlikely he’d have got much chance anyway.
In fact, that’s reinforced by Chelsea’s decision to ship him out of the club.
Indeed, recent reports have suggested a few players will be shown the exit door, Mendy being one of them.
Hutton questions decision to demote Mendy
Former Premier League defender Hutton has brought into question whether Mendy might have been pushed out. Indeed, it’s certainly a strange situation to go from one of the league’s best to not getting a game.
“It is always possible,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“He was brought in as a number one and then he got injured and came back but was not quite able to oust Kepa who had done well.
“You never know there could have been words spoken.”
While he feels things behind the scenes could be playing a part, Hutton is also of the opinion Kepa is simply a better option for Potter’s side.
“I think the way Graham Potter likes to play football suits Kepa. He is very good with the ball at his feet, he takes the odd risk.”
‘Strange situation’ will see Chelsea lose out
Hutton also feels Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation is a peculiar one, given it’s unclear who is actually the better option.
“But it is definitely a strange situation when you think of the money they have spent on two goalkeepers. You still don’t really know who is the number one. Is it Kepa? Is it Mendy? Are they going to bring somebody else in?” he said.
While Mendy is a quality option, it seems Potter has put all his faith in Kepa. As such, the former seems to no longer be required, and Hutton feels Chelsea will lose out because of that.
“They are going to lose out on a lot of money if that is the case. I can’t see them bringing back in what they have forked out.”
Mendy cost the Blues £22million in 2020. It’s unclear what sort of fee he’d command, but having not played much this season, it might not be massive.
On the other hand, Tottenham are reportedly interested, and Chelsea would surely not sell a quality asset to a direct rival on the cheap, so perhaps they could squeeze some decent money out of that deal.
