Chelsea Transfer Rumours: 8 Potential Long-Term Replacements for John Terry

The name alone of the Chelsea captain John Terry brings thoughts of longevity, talent, class and skill.

You could argue that there are also the thoughts of many lesser unnamed traits that have surfaced over the years.

However, Terry has been a rock for Chelsea and his eventual loss is something that the club have to start truly dealing with.

Some players would be ideal, while others are a little more than dreams, but here are eight players that could serve as long term replacements for JT.

Jan Vertonghen

While Arsenal and Tottenham have been the primary clubs linked with Ajax captain and central defender Jan Vertonghen, Chelsea did have a brief time period as being mentioned as a suitor for the Belgian back in February.

Givemefootball.com also linked the player to even a possible Manchester United move after he showed his full ability against the Red Devils in the UEFA Europa League tie.

His size and ability is very similar to Terry's, and he would be a long-term partner for newly acquired Gary Cahill.

Mats Hummels

Manchester United was believed to be the top contender for the signature of Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

However, with a summer move to Manchester having been ruled out by the Daily Mail, Chelsea could make a move for the player.

Hummels' versatility and ability would be a major move, in looking to the time after John Terry.

Gerard Pique

In February 2012, FC Barcelona central defender Gerard Pique was linked with a move to Chelsea by Metro.

A return to Manchester United has also been tipped as a possible move for the Spanish defender.

His first period of time in the English Premier League was not great, but his time at Barcelona has seen him blossom into a true star.

Chelsea could use a player of Pique's class, talent and European experience to go alongside Gary Cahill for years to come.

Giorgio Chiellini

This is not the first time that Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been linked with a move to London.

In May 2010, Total Football Madness linked the then 25-year-old with a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, with the aging Terry moving toward an eventual exit, the need continues to find an experienced player that can step in for at least four to five years with top-level quality.

Chiellini was linked to a possible Chelsea move this past January by FansFC.com, but the player was believed to have rejected any such talk.

Neven Subotic

Last May, Borussia Dortmund defender, Neven Subotic made comments in a Goal.com article to suggest that Chelsea was one of several English Premier League clubs where he hoped to eventually play:

"

My big dream is to play in England.

I don't care where - maybe with [Branislav] Ivanovic at Chelsea or [Nemanja] Vidic at Manchester United. It doesn't matter.

"

At the age of 23, Subotic could mature into an even better defender with a long-term future ahead of him.

Chelsea could also possibly profit if they sold him four or five years down the road.

Holger Badstuber

Bayern Munich are another German side with great young talent in their back line.

Goal.com have linked defender Holger Badstuber with potential moves to Chelsea and several other massive clubs in the summer.

However, his club claims that he is absolutely not for sale.

Thiago Silva

Tribalfootball announced that Chelsea were believed set to target AC Milan's Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva during this coming summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and is expected to be one of the best in the world in the coming years.

Silva could be a great solution if Chelsea can swing it.

Gary Cahill

Many could say that Roman Abramovich already brought in the likely successor to John Terry's throne. I'm obviously referring to Gary Cahill.

At 26, Cahill is on the verge of his prime years and was bought for a far cheaper price than what was the believed market value.

Cahill had a tough first few games with Chelsea, but looks to be settling in nicely now for the future.

Conclusion

Chelsea will have a huge hole to fill whenever John Terry retires or moves on from Stamford Bridge.

Who would you like to see as the future replacement for the Blues' captain?


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