Kenan Yildiz transfer, Cole Palmer injury return latest and whether Chelsea will sign Rodrygo

football.london's Chelsea correspondent Bobby Vincent took your questions on social media and has answered all of them below, including the latest on the Blues' January transfer plans

While we are in the final international break of 2025, the January transfer window is now approaching. As always with Chelsea, there is so much to talk about ahead of the mid-season window with supporters beginning to get excited about potential incomings at Stamford Bridge.

Transfers were very much the subject that dominated Bobby Vincent's Q&A session on X on Wednesday, with football.london's Chelsea correspondent answering some of your questions relating to the club. Below, Bobby answers your questions, with several topics discussed:

Are there any plans in January to sign a new centre-back?

No is the short and simple answer to that. Chelsea are happy with the centre-back options at the club right now. Benoit Badiashile is due to return from injury after the international break - meaning Enzo Maresca will have him, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo and Jorrel Hato to choose from there. Levi Colwill will miss the majority of the season, of course, but the Blues do not plan on adding to their current pool of central defenders in January.

Any business expected in the January transfer window?

In terms of incomings, I would not expect too much. If the right opportunity presents itself, then by all means do not rule Chelsea out. Though in the mid-season window, such opportunities are scarce.

When is Cole Palmer due back? Will he be available to face Barcelona?

There is a genuine hope Palmer will be back fit for the Barcelona game, yes. But whether or not he starts that, after two months out, remains to be seen. Chelsea will not rush him back. Given the significance Palmer has to the squad, the club are really keen to let his problem heal in its own time, while of course being desperate to have him back on the pitch firing again.

Is there any update on Mykhailo Mudryk and his situation?

Unfortunately not. It is one where all parties are quite content on keeping quiet. As you can understand with a case as sensitive as this, updates are not always communicated to the outside world.

Is there any chance Chelsea will sign Rodrygo?

It seems very unlikely. In the summer, reports regarding Rodrygo were quickly rubbished after some media outlets from overseas linked Chelsea with the Brazilian. Some reports claim he is on over £280,000-a-week at Real Madrid and that just does not fit Chelsea's model. The Blues have shown they like to get young players in on considerably less than that and if they succeed, then they will be rewarded more lucrative contracts.

Any new information on the stadium renovation plans?

A frustrating one, this, because there has not been any update in quite some time. That is the way these things go sometimes, though. There remains no update. Sources tell football.london that all options remain on the table for the club and will be considered.

Any update on the front-of-shirt sponsor?

At the moment, there is no update unfortunately. I understand there are talks, but nothing concrete in the way of an update just yet.

When will Dario Essugo return?

We're looking at late-December/January time for Essugo. Best case scenario he returns next month but Chelsea will not rush him. The likeliest scenario seems to be at the beginning of 2026.

Will Jorrel Hato be replaced in January?

There are no plans to replace Hato in January. Chelsea signed him on a long-term contract and he has only been at the club a few months. Granted, it has not been an ideal start for the Dutchman, but they will not rush into any rash decisions when it comes to a player they have high hopes for.

Will Chelsea sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window?

I would be amazed if they did. Robert Sanchez's form this season has been superb. There remains a big confidence in the Spanish goalkeeper and the club are unlikely to look to replace him. The Blues also believe Filip Jorgensen is a more than capable back-up option to Sanchez as well.

Is Benoit Badiashile back in team training?

Badiashile is still working on his own in Cobham and not with his teammates just yet. Maresca said before the international break that he hopes the defender will be back in time for the trip to Burnley next Saturday.

Does Pedro Neto have a groin injury?

Yes. He asked to be taken off in the win against Wolves and has since withdrawn from the Portugal squad. Neto is one of the numerous Chelsea players that have been carrying knocks in recent weeks. Maresca will be praying it is nothing too serious for the winger, who is one of his most trusted players.

How are Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi doing? Are they still expected to leave?

Yes, very much so. The club will look to offload the pair in January. Disasi featured for the Under-21s recently but it remains very unlikely he will force his way back into the picture at Chelsea. The Blues have been looking at potential destinations even when the transfer window has been closed. Maresca has made it clear they are no longer part of his or the club's plans.

Will Palmer be ready for the Burnley game?

Seems unlikely at the moment. Chelsea will not rush him back. The Barcelona and Arsenal double header has been the target for a while now and it seems highly unlikely Maresca would risk Palmer, even if he was fit, away at Burnley.

Will Chelsea go for Maignan again?

It seems unlikely at this point. Never say never, of course, because if Chelsea believe the opportunity to sign - what many people believe to be a - world-class goalkeeper in Maignan for a discount price, then it is something they might look at. The word from sources, though, is that Chelsea remain very happy with their current goalkeeper options.

Will Chelsea look at top centre-backs like Nico Schlotterbeck, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi?

I was asked plenty about Chelsea's plans in January and whether that included bringing a new central defender to the club. I asked sources on Wednesday (November 12) and they told me that there are currently no plans. The club are happy with their options in the centre of defence.

Will Chelsea pursue Kenan Yildiz?

Yildiz is certainly someone Chelsea like. He is definitely an option and given talks over a new contract with Juventus have recently halted, according to reports, I'm sure it is a situation Chelsea will be keeping a close eye on.

Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte aren't playing too much - will they ask to leave in January?

There is a chance George leaves in January. He was disappointed his move to Fulham fell through at the last hurdle and given his lack of game time - particularly in the Premier League - this season, you would expect the teenager to seek a move away when the January transfer window opens. Chelsea will not stand in his way.

As for Buonanotte, he would not have been any under illusions when he came to Stamford Bridge about the competition he would have in the No.10 role. Palmer, of course, is the main man there but even when he has been injured, the likes of Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian can also play there.