Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahce interested in signing Chelsea star deemed surplus to requirements: Reports

Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce are reportedly pursuing Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell. The English defender has no future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Enzo Maresca.

GiveMeSport reports that Chilwell has been offered to the Turkish giants following Ferdi Kadioglu's move to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Turkish transfer window doesn't close until September 13, which gives the club time to make more additions.

Chilwell, 27, has yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this season and has been told by Maresca that he isn't part of his plans. He struggled with a lack of form and injury issues last season, managing one assist in 21 games across competitions.

Fenerbahce aren't the only club who have been linked with Chilwell. Brentford made a play for him earlier this week but opted to sign Jaydon Meghoma from Southampton for £10 million.

It's noted that a loan without an option or obligation to buy is most expected for Chilwell due to his reportedly high wages. He's one of the highest earners at Stamford Bridge, which has made offloading him difficult.

Maresca is happy with Marc Cucurella as his starting left-back, while young Portuguese utility man Renato Veiga can provide competition. It means Chilwell's chances of game time are extremely low.

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"Intelligent" - Jose Mourinho has already told Fenerbahce what Chelsea's Ben Chilwell can bring to the club

Jose Mourinho once advised England to start Chilwell over Luke Shaw at Euro 2020. The iconic former Chelsea manager waxed lyrical about the former Leicester City man and delved into his playing characteristics. He told talkSPORT in June 2021:

"I know that he plays normally with Chelsea in a five, but he is intelligent, he covers the space and the diagonals inside very well, he’s dangerous in attack, he’s good in the air and good on set pieces."

During the first few years of his Stamford Bridge spell, Chilwell was deemed one of the Premier League's most reliable full-backs. However, constant injury problems have plagued his progression, and he's struggled on the international scene.

Chilwell was omitted from England's Euro 2024 squad, with Gareth Southgate preferring an injured Shaw. He has earned 21 caps for the Three Lions during his career, and a move could reignite his international career.

Jose Mourinho can get the best out of players who are perhaps struggling for confidence. He's a disciplinarian but also a man manager who works individually to transform his players.