Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has backed Chelsea’s reported interest in Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, as the club looks to strengthen its left side following squad changes ahead of the new season.
Chelsea are expected to reshape their defence after Marc Cucurella completed a move to Real Madrid, leaving a clear gap for incoming manager Xabi Alonso to address.
The club are now weighing up several options, including Cambiaso, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, and Ajax prospect Jorrel Hato.
‘Heavy Shirt’ players backed by Hasselbaink
Hasselbaink is firmly in favour of profiles like Cambiaso, pointing to the value of signing players already accustomed to elite expectations.
“Those are the exact kinds of transfers I like – players coming from big clubs where the shirt is really heavy and where they already understand the pressure to win. Bringing that kind of mentality into the squad can only help the other players who are already there,” Hasselbaink said, speaking exclusively to 10bet.
He also acknowledged Chelsea’s evolving squad situation on the left side of defence, particularly in relation to Hato’s emergence.
“Look, I think with Marc Cucurella leaving, they will need to bring somebody in, but they also have Jorrel Hato who can play left-back and finished the season really strongly and really well.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Manchester City agree record deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest
Lewis Hall return raises questions
While Lewis Hall remains an option, Hasselbaink raised questions about the dynamics of a potential return to Stamford Bridge.
“He used to be at Chelsea, though, so I don’t know how the club would feel about buying their own player back – most of the time, that’s a bit of an issue psychologically.”
He also highlighted the competitive implications of such a move, especially given Hall’s current status at Newcastle United.
“If Lewis Hall comes, he’s going to want to come to play, isn’t he? Because he’s playing regularly at Newcastle. So then it becomes a real battle. But I like Lewis; I think he’s done exceptionally well.”
Hasselbaink was also sympathetic to Hall’s wider recognition, particularly at international level.
“Lewis Hall has been unlucky not to be part of this England World Cup squad; he’s done really well. He’s really worked on himself, improved, and he’s a very good player.”
Ultimately, he believes Chelsea’s recruitment decision comes down to two clear strategies as they rebuild under Alonso.
“I think they can go two ways: they can keep Hato as the first-choice left-back and get a younger lad in as backup, or they look at Hall.”
READ NEXT: World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Round of 32 preview – Statement victory needed for Three Lions
