Ben Chilwell Joins Crystal Palace on Loan from Chelsea as Blues Cover Half His Wages Amid Limited Playing Time

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell has secured a loan move to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old left-back has found limited playing opportunities under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, featuring only once this season in a 5-0 League Cup victory over Barrow in September. 

Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for £45 million, Chilwell has made 107 appearances and contributed to the club's successes in the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Despite signing a new four-year contract in April 2023, he has struggled with injuries and has been informed by Maresca that he does not fit into the current tactical plans. 

The loan agreement entails Chelsea covering approximately half of Chilwell's £200,000 weekly wages. At Crystal Palace, he will compete with Tyrick Mitchell for the starting left-back position. Chilwell expressed enthusiasm about the move, acknowledging Palace's recent progress and performances. 

This transfer could also have implications for Marc Guehi's future. Tottenham recently had a £70 million offer for Guehi rejected by Palace, and Chelsea, who sold Guehi to Palace in 2021, might be interested in re-signing him. Former Palace owner Simon Jordan speculates that Chelsea’s cooperation with Palace over Chilwell might pave the way for a potential Guehi transfer back to Chelsea. 

Crystal Palace, currently 12th in the league standings, recently secured a 2-0 victory against Manchester United and is set to face Doncaster in the FA Cup's fourth round. The addition of Chilwell is anticipated to bolster their defensive options as they aim to build on their recent performances.