The decision from Ben Chilwell to leave Chelsea and join Crystal Palace on loan midway through the season has certainly been vindicated.
Ben Chilwell, who signed for Chelsea in 2020, has been an important player at Stamford Bridge. In particular, the English left-back was part of the historic side that won the club’s second Champions League.
However, the 28-year-old defender only played once for the Blues in the first half of this season. Chelsea head Enzo Maresca praised Ben Chilwell for being “very professional”, but he simply didn’t fit into his plans.
Chilwell joined Oliver Glasner’s side on loan in the January window for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
He’s played 11 games across all competitions for Palace so far and was an unused substitute when they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final last weekend.
Crystal Palace fans want to re-sign Ben Chilwell
On Tuesday night, Palace beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2 at Selhurst Park in their final home game of the Premier League season.
Chilwell impressed on his return to the starting line-up as a left wing-back. In fact, he scored his first goal for the Eagles with a deflected free-kick in the second half.
Palace supporters on social media agree that they would like to see Chilwell re-sign for them next season once his loan deal from Chelsea expires after his latest performance.
One fan wrote: “We really need to sign Ben Chilwell on a permanent deal.”
“I do like Chilwell and would be happy to see him back but there are also younger options out there,” another posted.
One supporter commented: “I’d love to make Chilwell a permanent signing. Would be a superb addition especially with Europe.”
“Chilwell wanted to press as much as Munoz does, is it silly to want him at Palace next season?” another said.
It’s been reported that Chelsea want to sell Ben Chilwell at the end of the season as they look to raise transfer funds. We would be very surprised to see him ever play for the Blues again while Maresca is in the dugout, so a summer move does feel inevitable.
As it stands, the left-back is still under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2027. Therefore, will anyone be prepared to buy him and pay his wages, or could another loan deal be more realistic?
If a deal can be agreed, Palace could be a great destination for him because they will be balancing both domestic and Europa League football next season.
Crystal Palace shines against Wolves
Chilwell has slotted into the Palace squad as the understudy to Tyrick Mitchell at left wing-back, but he’s still contributed well whenever he’s been called upon.
Here is a look at how the Chelsea loanee performed in midweek during Palace’s 4-2 win against Wolves.
| Minutes played | Goals | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Tackles won | Interceptions | Dribbled past | Match rating |
| 90 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 19/22 (86%) | 1/2 (50%) | 2 | 0 | 8.4 |
Aged 28, he still has plenty to give in the Premier League. He’s got a wealth of experience at the highest level, too.
The only potential stumbling block we can see when it comes to Chilwell’s future is his mammoth £200,000-a-week wages (Spotrac).
