Graham Potter can reunite with four Chelsea stars as ex-boss 'in talks' over Prem return

Graham Potter could dip into his former club Chelsea’s resources if he lands a return to Brighton this summer. The 49-year-old has held talks over taking charge of the Seagulls for a second time, according to The Guardian, having left them to sign a lucrative deal at Stamford Bridge back in 2022.

Potter’s time in west London proved to be short-lived as he left the Blues languishing in the bottom-half of the Premier League table when he was given his marching orders last April. Despite building up a solid reputation across prior stints with Ostersund, Swansea and Brighton, he hasn’t set foot in a dugout since.

But with a south coast homecoming on the cards, Express Sport takes you through four players from Potter’s Chelsea days who could join him at the Amex Stadium…

Trevoh Chalobah

Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Igor and Jan Paul van Hecke are already battling it out for minutes at the heart of Brighton’s defence, but Chelsea man Chalobah would undoubtedly bring an extra sprinkling of quality to the Seagulls’ ranks.

Manchester United are reportedly keen on the 24-year-old, whose versatility is an added bonus and could give Potter a range of options if Brighton are prepared to shell out £25million. Chelsea are believed to be willing to sell Chalobah in their bid to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Armando Broja

As a fellow homegrown talent, Broja’s sale would also help Chelsea comply with PSR and the striker is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. A dazzling loan spell at Southampton in 2021/22 made the youngster hot property, and while he was unable to rediscover that form during a temporary stint at Fulham last term, Potter fancy his chances of bringing him back to his best with a run of games down south.

Conor Gallagher

Like Chalobah and Broja, England midfielder Gallagher is thought to be for sale at the right price this summer. But that price may prove to be a sticking point for Brighton, who would need to obliterate their transfer record to meet Chelsea’s £50m valuation. Nevertheless, Gallagher’s work rate in the middle of the park could take the Seagulls to another level, and he tends to become popular with every manager he works under.

David Datro Fofana

If Potter wants a new frontman and Broja doesn’t take his fancy, perhaps David Datro Fofana might. The 21-year-old bagged four goals during a short and sweet loan spell at Burnley last season, but there is no clear path for a striker of his calibre to make it into Chelsea’s starting XI.

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku could be joined by another competing forward next season if new Blues manager Enzo Maresca gets his way, leaving Datro Fofana in no man’s land. Given Chelsea signed him for around £11m, they may be willing to let him go for an attractive price.