Former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro has advised Ben Chilwell to consider leaving the club during the ongoing January transfer window to revive his career. Chilwell, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020, has made 107 appearances for the Blues but has struggled to secure regular playing time under current manager Enzo Maresca this season.

Chilwell, 27, has faced a challenging campaign, often finding himself sidelined and overlooked by Maresca, who had openly suggested last summer that the Englishman should seek opportunities elsewhere if he desired consistent game time. Despite this, Chilwell chose to remain at Stamford Bridge.

While there were glimmers of hope earlier in the season when Maresca recalled him for a Carabao Cup match against Barrow, the left-back has yet to establish himself as a regular starter. This lack of continuity has prompted Babayaro, a revered figure in Chelsea’s history, to speak out.

Babayaro’s Perspective

Speaking to Ladbrokes, Babayaro praised Chilwell’s talent but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his career progression.

“In terms of players who might need to look at moving on, I’m looking at Ben Chilwell,” Babayaro remarked. “I love him – he’s actually one of my favorite left-backs. But he can’t seem to get himself fit.

“He’s the sort of person who I’m looking at, who probably needs to think about his career. You know, he’s not as young as he once was, so he’s got to be thinking, ‘If I’m not getting games here, I need to move.’”

Opinion: Time for a Bold Decision

Chilwell’s situation at Chelsea raises important questions about the fine balance between loyalty and career growth. At 27, the defender is at a crucial juncture in his career, where consistent playing time is essential for maintaining form, fitness, and confidence.

While his decision to stay at Chelsea last summer reflects a desire to fight for his place, it may be time for Chilwell to reassess his options. A move to a club where he can secure regular starts could reignite his career and reestablish him as one of the Premier League’s top left-backs.

Looking Ahead

As the January transfer window progresses, Chilwell has a golden opportunity to evaluate his future. Whether he stays to compete for his spot or seeks greener pastures, the decision he makes now could define the trajectory of his career.

Chelsea fans and football enthusiasts alike will watch closely to see how this talented defender navigates this pivotal moment in his journey. Whatever he decides, it is clear that Chilwell still has much to offer to the beautiful game.