Chelsea have commenced their January transfer window activities by confirming the departure of Zain Silcott-Duberry to Bournemouth. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, this move marks the beginning of several expected exits from Stamford Bridge this winter.
Manager Enzo Maresca is dealing with an oversized squad as he works to improve Chelsea’s performance following a five-game winless streak in the Premier League. Reducing the squad size has become a key focus amid growing pressure.
Romano shared the news on X, revealing: “Bournemouth have reached an agreement with Chelsea for 19-year-old winger Zain Silcott-Duberry. The deal includes a sell-on clause and incentives linked to first-team appearances, with the player signing a contract until June 2028.”
Although the transfer fee is undisclosed, it’s believed that the sale was for a modest sum, given Silcott-Duberry’s contract was due to expire in the summer. His exit signals the start of what is expected to be a busy transfer window for Chelsea as they look to streamline their squad and raise funds.
Silcott-Duberry, known for his versatility, primarily plays as a winger and was a prominent figure for Chelsea’s U23 team in the Premier League 2 last season, scoring once in 22 appearances. However, this season, he has struggled for game time, recording just 33 minutes with the academy team. Prior to joining Chelsea, he was part of Norwich’s youth setup and has represented England at the U17 level.
While the financial impact of this transfer is minimal, it highlights Chelsea’s intent to clear out their squad. More sales are anticipated before the window closes, with center-back Tosin Adarabioyo potentially moving to Fulham for a significant profit.
This transfer follows Alex Matos’s loan move to Oxford United earlier in the season. Chelsea fans will be watching closely for further activity as the club seeks to reshape its squad and improve their league performance. Silcott-Duberry’s transfer to Bournemouth is a small but notable step in Chelsea’s January plans.