Ben Chilwell names person behind decision to join Strasbourg over Everton
Ben Chilwell has revealed the reasons behind his decision to join Ligue 1 club Strasbourg over Everton on transfer deadline day.
Everton attempted to sign Chilwell on loan from Chelsea in the final hours of the summer window, with David Moyes keen to launch a last-minute bid to bolster his defence.
The Toffees had been struck by several injuries at the back, with Vitalii Mykolenko‘s absence providing a cause for concern.
Everton signed Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, but the full-back is evidently not ready for first-team involvement, and has yet to even make his debut.
Seamus Coleman picked up an injury against Manchester United, with Everton now set to be plunged back into a perilous defensive position.
Ben Chilwell shares reason for summer decision
Jarrad Branthwaite underwent surgery in October, with the defender hit by a further setback to an injury suffered months ago.
The defender’s absence, combined with injuries to Coleman and Nathan Patterson, has again left Everton in an increasingly worrying position.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have played every minute of every game for Moyes this season, despite both players being in their early 30s.
Jake O’Brien has also been largely ever-present at right-back, while midfielder James Garner has been forced to fill in at left-back due to injuries to Mykolenko.
The Ukraine international is back, but the Everton squad once again feels one or two injuries away from collapse in defence.
Decision-makers had attempted to alleviate the situation by signing Chilwell on loan in the summer, with the defender explaining his decision to opt for Strasbourg in an interview with BBC Sport on Wednesday.
In it, he revealed Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior effectively talked him out of joining anyone else other than the French side.
“It was my decision,” explained the 28-year-old. “I had other clubs that had no links to Chelsea, and I chose to come here because of the conversation with the manager [Rosenior].”
Chilwell form provides annoyance for Everton
If Chilwell had arrived at Everton, the left-back likely would not have received a great welcome at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The left-back has a horrific injury record, and often flattered to deceive during his time at Chelsea, with many of his 21 England caps coming during his time with Leicester City.
| Ben Chilwell | Ligue 1 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 8 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Fouls won | 10 |
| Tackles | 9 |
| Duels won | 26 |
| Recoveries | 18 |
In Ligue 1 this season, however, Chilwell looks to have received a new lease of life in what will serve as an annoyance for Moyes, who very much could have used the 28-year-old’s services.
The former England international has started seven of Strasbourg’s last 10 games in the league, with Rosenior’s team sitting fifth in the table.
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