Chelsea has built a reputation in world football over the last decade or so for its unique loan perspective. The Blues use the game’s loan system as a method of development for academy players or young purchases.
They currently have 33 players on loan this season, with new UEFA regulations to take action from next season. The new rules limit the players aged 22 or older, a club can loan out to eight. That number will be further reduced for the 2022/23 season to six.
CHELSEA’S LOAN ARMY
Over here we will see who could make the cut for Thomas Tuchel’s squad out of the Loan Army.
FIKAYO TOMORI
One of several promising young Academy graduates to emerge during the 2019/20 season. Fikayo Tomori possesses a potent combination of pace and awareness in defense. Chelsea has loaned him out to AC Milan with a buy-out clause of £28m. If AC Milan fails to activate the clause he could easily slot in place for Antonio Rudiger.
Tuchel experimented with his squad and once played Emerson as an LCB. Tomori being a left-footed player and a natural centre-back could be attractive to the German coach. Players such as Marc Guehi, Malang Sarr, and others still need more experience to break into the first team. Though we’re sure they’re part of a future Chelsea squad.
TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO
A tall, strong, and quick central midfielder who was instrumental in Monaco’s Ligue 1 triumph, as well as their impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals.
Tuchel wanted Bakayoko at his former club PSG and now has the opportunity to do so with him playing with two double sixes in the midfield. Chelsea bought him as a replacement for Matic, but so far he’s had a poor spell at the club and was loaned out to Napoli and AC Milan. Thomas Tuchel has fewer options with only Kante as a natural defensive midfielder and could be attracted to work with him.
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Chelsea has currently sent Michy Batshuayi on loan to Crystal Palace. The Belgian international impressed during his loan spell in Germany, scoring seven goals in ten league appearances and a further two in four Europa League fixtures. The fact that he was able to adapt to German football well and with Chelsea struggling in front of the goal, could draw Tuchel’s attention to try him out in the team.
Special mention to Armando Broja who has made 25 appearances for Vitesse this season. He scored 10 goals amid a productive first season out on loan. He thinks of Mason Mount as an example who also set his roots at Vitesse and to see where he now tells Broja could be on a path set to success.
ROSS BARKLEY
Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley got off to a flying start for loan club Aston Villa this season. He scored twice in his first two Premier League appearances. After joining Aston Villa on a season-long loan and he continued to impress in the weeks followed until his injury.
Players such as Conor Gallagher, Ethan Ampadu still need more experience to reach Chelsea’s first-team level who happen to be the UCL finalists this season. They can in no way replace the likes of Kovacic and Jorginho yet.
RUBEN LOFTUS CHEEK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has impressed at Fulham and enjoyed regular action for Parker’s team, playing 25 times this term. His best season coming under Maurizio Saari and under a coach with good tactical knowledge he could flourish. He can fit in as a false nine or can play out wide. With him working with Tuchel closely we might just get to see Loftus Cheek fulfilling his potential.
