Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has advised the club to bring in three experienced players above 30 to strengthen their youthful squad ahead of next season.
Since the BlueCo takeover, Chelsea have prioritised signing young prospects on long-term deals. However, the lack of senior experience has been reflected in their inconsistent performances, with the club currently sitting ninth and at risk of missing out on European qualification.
Cole believes experienced additions are necessary, pointing to Manchester City defender John Stones as an ideal option. The 31-year-old is expected to leave the Etihad at the end of the season.
He also named Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski as another suitable target, suggesting the veteran forward—whose contract is nearing its end—could still play up to 35 games a season on a short-term deal while guiding younger attackers like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Cole told The Sun, “I think of experienced players who can come into the squad and help out immediately. So you’re looking at who’s available – I’m thinking players like John Stones, [Robert] Lewandowski, he’s coming to the end of his contract, we need a centre-forward.
“He probably fancies the Premier League and living in London, give him a year-long contract to come and play 35 games for us and help out Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. They need those types of players.”
The former England international also backed a move for 35-year-old Jordan Henderson, noting Brentford’s improvement since his arrival last summer. He added that he had made a similar suggestion previously, which was initially dismissed.
He continued, “Jordan Henderson, I said Jordan Henderson last season and people laughed. Look at what Brentford Football Club have done, and nobody’s going, ‘hold on a minute’.”
