Having failed to leave Schalke 04 during the January transfer window, Bosnia and Herzegovina international fullback Sead Kolasinac is set to leave Veltins Arena at the end of the season for free with a move to Chelsea very likely.
The 23-year-old was targeted by the Blues in the winter, but the Bundesliga side rejected their €6million bid with a belief that Sead could still agree to a contract extension before the end of the season.
However, none seems forthcoming, and he is very much likely to head for the exit. Conte is keen on adding more wing-backs to his ranks ahead of next season, and Sead Kolasinac remains top of his wishlist. But what will the left-back add to the squad and why will he be a great addition to Chelsea as touted?
The German-born Bosnian broke into Schalke 04’s senior team aged 19 at the start of the 2012-13 having moved through the team’s youth ranks, and he has since grown to become one of the best left-backs in the Bundesliga.
With Lahm drawing the curtain on his glorious career at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season, Bayern Munich have also identified Sead as a perfect replacement for the legendary captain. Only the best players get to be linked with the German giants, and it can’t be denied the superb quality the defender brings to the fore.
His form over the years has also attracted the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus, all of whom are set to offer him the best personal deal as he becomes available on a Bosman deal.
This term, Sead has played 15 Bundesliga games, scoring 2 goals, assisting 4 and creating 11 other unconverted chances. Those numbers are identical to Marcos Alonso’s, with the 26-year-old having 4 goals, 2 assists and 16 other chances in 19 Premier League appearances.
Averaging 6 defensive actions per game, the Bosnian has won 29 tackles, made 53 interceptions, 29 clearances and 1 block. The ability of the left-back to combine unparalleled defensive and offensive qualities on the flank is a big reason Conte wants him at the Stamford Bridge, and there are very few players who have what it takes to impress the Italian.
Why it would be too early to claim Sead would walk straight into Chelsea’s starting XI and displace Alonso, his all-round brilliance, which includes his defensive contribution and tackling, make him a very tough competition for the Spaniard if he is acquired.
The former Fiorentina man has had no one to challenge him for the left wing-back role since he broke into the lineup, but he could soon have one in the Schalke 04 defender. Peradventure he retains his playing berth ahead of him, the summer target definitely would be an equally capable backup and cover.
Chelsea returns to the Champions League next term and would need to constantly rotate the squad as they compete challengingly on all fronts. With a player like Sead Kolasinac around, the left-back/left wing-back role(s) can be assured of having enough depth.
He definitely would be a great addition to Chelsea, but they first have to emerge victorious in the stiff battle set to happen over his signature.