Chelsea are now braced to lose Jorginho once his contract expires in June with Blues chiefs believing new terms are unlikely. The Italian is also a transfer target for Newcastle United.
That is according to The Telegraph, which reports that Stamford Bridge executives assume Jorginho will return to Serie A. The Blues have become pessimistic that the midfielder will sign a new deal, unlike N’Golo Kante. They will also prioritise Mason Mount over Jorginho.
Chelsea paused talks with Mount before the World Cup but will soon resume negotiations. Graham Potter’s side are also in negotiations with Kante to avoid the Frenchman leaving as a free agent in June. But Jorginho is appearing increasingly likely to head for the exit door.
Only Chelsea making Jorginho a big contract offer is now likely to convince the 31-year-old to stay in west London. So, Stamford Bridge chiefs are now braced to see their 46-cap star either return to his native Italy or move elsewhere in Europe for free once his terms lapse.
Jorginho is able to hold negotiations with clubs from abroad already after entering the last six months of his contract. Chelsea handed the Imbituba, Brazil-born technician a £120k-a-week deal on his arrival in England from Napoli in July 2018 after paying the Azzurri £57m.
Chelsea expect Jorginho to leave as Newcastle explore a free transfer
The Evening Standard reported last October that Chelsea had offered to extend Jorginho’s current contract. But the Italian informed Stamford Bridge chiefs that he wanted a pay rise to £150k-a-week. The midfielder felt he deserved the same treatment as Cesar Azpilicueta.
Yet as talks over a new contract continue to stutter and as Chelsea now expect Jorginho to go, Newcastle may grow in confidence they can secure his transfer. The Daily Mail reports the Magpies appreciate what the 31-year-old could bring to St James’ Park in a free swoop.
But The Telegraph also adds that Newcastle have not yet committed to Jorginho’s transfer from Chelsea. While Eddie Howe wants to sign midfielders in January, the Toon question if the Blues star has the mobility to fit their system. They also fear his likely salary demands.
Especially as a free agent, Jorginho will feel he merits a high wage to move to Tyneside. He helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2020/21 before helping Italy win Euro 2020. Ex-Newcastle star Jose Enrique also feels Jorginho is ‘world-class’ for his ability on the ball.
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