EPL: Joe Cole says Chelsea should sign 35‑year‑old Barcelona star

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has suggested that the club sign three players, each over 30, to bolster the young squad for the coming season.

Since BlueCo took ownership, Chelsea has pursued a policy of signing promising young talent on long‑term deals.

The lack of experienced players has, in Cole’s view, hurt the Premier League side. Chelsea currently sit ninth in the league and risk missing out on European competition next season.

Cole argues that Chelsea need veteran players to provide immediate support. He cites John Stones as a leading option; the 31‑year‑old Manchester City defender is expected to leave the Etihad at season’s end.

Cole also names Robert Lewandowski as a potential fit for Stamford Bridge. The Barcelona forward is approaching the end of his contract at Camp Nou, and Cole believes a one‑year deal could see him play 35 matches for Chelsea, providing support to Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Cole told The Sun, “I think of experienced players who can come into the squad and help out immediately. So you’re looking at who’s available – I’m thinking players like John Stones, [Robert] Lewandowski, he’s coming to the end of his contract, we need a centre‑forward.”

“He probably fancies the Premier League and living in London, give him a year‑long contract to come and play 35 games for us and help out Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. They need those types of players.”

The former footballer turned pundit also highlighted 35‑year‑old Jordan Henderson as a candidate for Chelsea, noting the improvement Brentford has shown since Henderson joined last summer.

Cole reminded readers that he had urged the Blues to pursue Henderson last season, a suggestion that was met with laughter at the time.

He continued, “Jordan Henderson, I said Jordan Henderson last season and people laughed. Look at what Brentford Football Club have done, and nobody’s going, ‘hold on a minute’.”

“I know he’s not been blowing the doors off on Match of the Day. But he sets the tone, and he’s helped players around him, all the intangible things you can’t see. We spent all this money on young players, but they have no one around them.”

Chelsea next face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether they can draw confidence from the 1‑1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League.