Chelsea fans make feelings very clear to Todd Boehly with transfer message on banner

Chelsea fans held a banner during the preseason clash with Manchester City to support Trevor Chalobah after the Blues made the decision to sell the young defender. Chelsea fell to the Premier League champions at Ohio Stadium, and their fans took the opportunity to show their appreciation for Chalobah as he nears the exit.

Last season, Chalobah was one of the top performers at Stamford Bridge after returning from injury. He played a key role in the turnaround in form under Mauricio Pochettino that eventually secured a sixth-place Premier League finish.

Despite the impressive second half of the season for the 25-year-old, the club appears to have made up their minds with regards to his future. Chalobah was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their preseason tour of the United States.

Chalobah is now expected to depart in the coming weeks having been cast aside from the main playing group. He has spent time training with the development squad at Cobham, but Chelsea fans ensured their support for him was present stateside.

Chelsea ultimately lost 4-2 to City, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick while Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke bagged for the Blues. But the banner the Chelsea end for Chalobah read: “Trev deserves better”.

The banner comes as the Blues look to sell the academy graduate this summer. In his place, new manager Enzo Maresca has been operating with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo as right-sided centre-backs.

It’s the beginning of a new era under Maresca following Pochettino’s surprise exit after the end of last season. There have already been seven new arrivals this summer – though many are with the future in mind.

With Chelsea’s transfer outlay, sales are needed to balance the books. Chalobah still has four years left on his contract with the club, along with the option for a fifth season.

Upon signing that deal in 2022, club owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali released a statement that spoke highly of Chalobah, saying: “We’re delighted that Trevoh will be extending his stay with Chelsea. He has been with us since childhood and has grown into an exceptional young player.

“He’s an important part of our men’s first-team squad and we’re excited to see what’s next for Trevoh at Chelsea.”

Chalobah is not the only one linked with a move away from the west London club. Fellow academy graduate Conor Gallagher is likely to be sold as the Blues aim to refine their squad and generate income.