Dimitri Payet drama raises the stakes for a Chelsea loan to West Ham
By George Perry
Dimitri Payet apparently went on strike at West Ham United today, refusing to touch a ball for the London club. Payet’s drama and West Ham’s desperation may be the opening for Chelsea to secure favorable terms on a Ruben Loftus-Cheek loan.
West Ham’s season has not improved since crashing out of the Europa League’s qualifying rounds. They were supposed to be contending for another Europa League berth. Instead, they sit in 13th place in the Premier League. And today, their star player Dimitri Payet announced that he is done with the club. Whether they transfer him or not, he declared, he will no longer play or train for the Hammers.
West Ham United sent a “begging letter” to Chelsea and other top flight teams in late December. The Hammers were looking for a central defender, full-back and striker, and hoped to pick up a few top-tier cast-offs.
Michy Batshuayi was the Hammers’ preferred Blue to scoop on loan, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek emerged as a more realistic target. If West Ham were “beggars” before, they can afford even less to be “choosers” now.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of the few Chelsea prospects never to have gone on loan. His dearth of playing minutes in the first half of the season and the fruitless experiment of using him as a striker hinted at a second-half loan.
Given Loftus-Cheek’s age, potential and the amount of marketing money Chelsea have already invested in promoting his future, a loan could not come lightly.
"A loan could suit him if it’s a perfect one. It would need to be a Premier League club where their starting central-midfielder just tore his Achilles and needs the entire six months out. He would then obviously get 19 starts in a row. That would be good, because we’re getting to the point where he is at Chelsea and should be starting. – Barrett Rouen, The Blue Lions"
Last week West Ham were among the top contenders for a Ruben Loftus-Cheek loan. Premier League side Stoke and Championship leaders Brighton & Hove Albion were also in the mix.
Since then, Ruben Loftus-Cheek put in a top performance against League One side Peterborough in the FA Cup. Playing at right wing, Loftus-Cheek was a force of nature. His considerable size did not blunt his speed, instead allowing him to run with several Posh players hanging off his back and legs.
Loftus-Cheek proved his worth and readiness right as West Ham United entered a situation where they could, in fact, promise him a starting berth for the remainder of the season. Loftus-Cheek’s improved value combined with West Ham’s enhanced desperation gives Loftus-Cheek and Chelsea a perfect situation.
Playing at West Ham, Loftus-Cheek would play significantly more Premier League minutes than he likely will at Chelsea. He would be just on the other side of London. This minimizes the disruption to his personal life, and makes it easy for Chelsea to monitor his progress and performance.
West Ham are contending with Leicester City for most disappointing season. Few people expect the Foxes to repeat last year’s run. But West Ham seemingly had the pieces in place to perennially challenge for the Europa League. Now the club is in disarray, to go along with the shambles on the field.
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Chelsea and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are in a perfect position to capitalize on the Hammers’ situation. A loan would be a win for all parties, particularly if Chelsea can optimize the terms in light of Payet’s tantrum.