5 Bold Predictions for Chelsea in 2016
Now the new year is here, it's about looking forward to what might be.
In Chelsea's case, that's not a bad thing. It means the Blues can forget about their nightmare end to 2015 and focus on something more positive.
They've already got 2016 off to the perfect start by beating Crystal Palace 3-0 last weekend. So what else is in store for them over the next 12 months?
Well, Chelsea need a new manager to replace interim coach Guus Hiddink in the long term, while we're expecting them to be busy in the transfer market as they rebuild their squad.
So, which big names will arrive? Who will depart? Can Chelsea defy the odds and win the Champions League again this season?
Join Bleacher Report as we have a little bit of fun with some bold predictions for Chelsea in 2016.
Eden Hazard to Join Real Madrid
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We're in January, so it's winter transfer window time. But there is already a sense of everything ramping up to the summer.
Eden Hazard has endured a torrid campaign. He's been out of form, looking far from the man who was named Player of the Year last season.
Niggling injuries haven't helped, nor have rumours of interest from Real Madrid.
Now the Daily Mail is reporting that Hazard's decided to depart Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
Judging by his demeanour for much of the campaign, it doesn't come as a surprise. And given the tactics we've seen from Real in the past, a move for Hazard seems to be on the cards.
Madrid play the long game with their transfer targets, which is the situation with Hazard now. The Spanish giants manipulate the press with rumours of interest, as we're seeing with Hazard.
In the same Daily Mail report, a source close to Hazard is quoted as saying he's already made up his mind that he'll leave Chelsea in the summer.
"It would take some U-turn to keep him," a club insider is reported to have said.
The process has started. Hazard will not be a Chelsea player next season.
John Terry to Be Awarded a Contract Extension
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Like Eden Hazard before him, John Terry has endured a difficult season. He's been far from the John Terry we saw last season when he played every minute of every match in Chelsea's title victory.
He's shown his age this year with some poor displays, but it doesn't mean he should be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires in the summer.
Without a permanent manager in place, Chelsea are in a state of flux right now. They lack direction and leadership when it comes to the football side of things, and it means they need players like Terry.
Terry's presence next season will be vital. He may not play every week, but having his presence in the dressing room will make him a considerable ally for whoever becomes Jose Mourinho's full-time replacement.
A man with his experience and knowledge of the club can't be allowed to leave, especially with things the way they are.
Chelsea must give Terry another contract.
Chelsea Will Break the British Transfer Record by Signing Paul Pogba
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He's the one of the most in-demand midfielders in European football.
Every elite club would love to get their hands on Paul Pogba, but as these things work, only one will.
We're predicting Chelsea will break the British transfer record to bring Pogba to Stamford Bridge this summer.
That means paying Juventus more than the £59.7 million Manchester United did for Angel Di Maria in 2014.
Chelsea need a big win in the transfer market, and Pogba will be it. Not only do Chelsea need to match the ambitions of their biggest rivals, they're in desperate need for reinforcements in their midfield.
Pogba is the suitable candidate. Not only is he supremely talented, he comes with the reputation and appeal that will keep Chelsea's name in with Europe's elite.
So much in modern football is about posturing as it is winning trophies.
Chelsea need to show they remain a big club—signing Pogba will send out the message they are.
Didier Drogba to Be Named Chelsea's Next Full-Time Manager
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Here's one from left field: Didier Drogba will be named Chelsea's new permanent manager in the summer.
We know the Blues are trying to get him back to Stamford Bridge in a coaching capacity—a move being held up by his contract and commitment to Montreal Impact—but we're predicting Chelsea are playing the long game with Drogba.
Bleacher Report has no sources to support our bold claim, but in the spirit of predictions, we don't think it's too outrageous, either.
Drogba will need to continue his coaching education by collecting his badges, but perhaps Chelsea are targeting the future now by having him work under Guus Hiddink for the remainder of this season before taking over the reins in the summer.
That will allow 69-year-old Hiddink to move upstairs and work with Drogba as an adviser.
In the process, Roman Abramovich scores a major PR victory by replacing one Chelsea legend as manager with another.
We don't know what Drogba can offer as a manager, but his hero status at Chelsea will give him enough support to make things work.
And this is Chelsea, remember. You wouldn't bet against something like this happening.
Chelsea Will Win the Champions League
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So, we've saved the best for last by predicting Chelsea will win the Champions League in 2016.
Well, stranger things have happened.
Chelsea are no strangers to being victorious in Europe despite being overwhelming underdogs, of course. They won the Champions League in 2012 with an ageing side that had to overcome the might of Barcelona in the semi-finals before facing Bayern Munich in the final at their home stadium.
It was a monumental effort, and it'll take something similarly epic if Chelsea are to repeat their success this year.
There's something about cup football that captures the imagination at Stamford Bridge, though. Chelsea have been written off this season after a dreadful campaign in the Premier League, yet in in Europe they have looked their best.
And now we're into the knockout rounds, anything can happen.
Guus Hiddink is back as manager, too. When he was last at Chelsea, he took the club to the Champions League semi-final only to lose out on a place in the final at the very last minute.
He's got unfinished business with the club and will be motivated to make amends for that near miss in 2009.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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