Wesley Fofana ended a turbulent season in the worst possible fashion — sent off in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League, a result that cost the club a place in European football next season.

The 25-year-old pulled down Wilson Isidor moments after Cole Palmer had brought Chelsea back to 2-1, earning a second yellow card and compounding a torrid campaign. It was his second red card of the season and a club-record eighth dismissal in the Premier League — 11 in total across all competitions.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League table, leaving them without European football for the first time in years. Into this troubled picture steps new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is expected to reshape the squad significantly before pre-season begins at the end of the month.

Fofana's place at Chelsea uncertain

Despite the poor optics, sources indicate Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Fofana, who cost the club £70m when he arrived in 2022. However, his position is far from secure.

The France international — who was also absent from his country's World Cup squad — faces serious competition at centre-back. Chelsea's defensive depth is already crowded, and the club are expected to sign at least one high-quality centre-back before next season, with the possibility of a second arrival depending on how many departures are secured.

Levi Colwill is considered untouchable, and the club want a reliable partner for the England international. That role was once seen as Fofana's by right, given his fee, but it is no longer guaranteed.

Fofana was valued highly by former manager Enzo Maresca, who reportedly told him privately he was