Thomas Tuchel’s first signing at Chelsea perhaps won’t be as high-profile as many expected. A report from the Express claims the Blues are in talks with free agent Wayne Hennessy who departed Crystal Palace at the end of the previous season.
The 34-year-old have represented both Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the top division. However, despite accruing over a hundred league appearances for the Eagles, Hennessey’s last start in the competition came during the 2019/20 season – just the third that season too. The Welshman did not play any league games for Roy Hodgson’s team the last term and made only one appearance all season. Subsequently, he was one of the players Palace let go at the end of contract expiry recently.
Hennessey is a near centurion for his national team Wales, too. He has made 96 appearances so far for his international team but lost his place in the starting eleven to Danny Ward for the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020.
Meanwhile, another player who left his club on the expiration of his contract is Willy Caballero. Chelsea allowed the Argentinian’s contract to run down, making him a free agent as well. It is understood that Hennessey will take his spot in the first team – behind Mendy and Arrizabalaga – if he does sign for the Blues.
Chelsea are expected to bring more players apart from Hennessey, despite spending over 200 million in the previous summer. The Blues were linked with Achraf Hakimi previously, but the Moroccan is seemingly on his way to Paris instead.
Meanwhile, reports continue to link Tuchel’s side to a long list of strikers, including Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku. Declan Rice is a potential target, too, with reports claiming that the West Ham United midfielder recently turned down two contract offers from his club.
