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Chelsea loan Kurt Zouma, but extension suggests long-term plan

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea celebrates with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea celebrates with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea have sent Kurt Zouma to Stoke City for a season-long loan. However, the six-year contract extension indicates a long-term plan for the defender.

Kurt Zouma is the latest recruit to join the Chelsea loan army. The Frenchman will join Stoke City for the season as he seeks to play regular football and get his career back on track. As is usual, the Blues got him to sign a contract extension before leaving, but the six-year deal seems to suggest that Antonio Conte wants him in the long run.

Technical Director Michael Emenalo expressed his delight at Zouma’s extension, indicating a two-way commitment to the future.

"It is fantastic Kurt has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea. He has shown his talent since joining us three years ago, and has returned from a serious injury with a fantastic attitude. Now he has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League and we will be monitoring his progress closely while he is at Stoke. – via chelseafc.com"

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Zouma’s career was one of the few to regress during last season. Having established himself as a first team player during the 2015/16 campaign, the serious knee injury sidelined him during the managerial changeover.

By the time he was ready to return, Chelsea were flying high and there was no reason to disrupt their winning formula. Hence, the defender spent the majority of his time on the bench.

Now, with the signing of Antonio Rudiger, there is little room for him in this season’s plans. Andreas Christensen, if anyone, looks like the person who will be added to the defensive ranks.

However, while Chelsea usually loan out players to build up their value before selling them, Zouma’s case appears to be different. The six-year contract extension is longer than is normally seen.

Moreover, Zouma is already 22 years old. This new deal takes him into the prime of his career. Evidently, Blues management still believe in his potential to become a world-class defender.

Conte and Emenalo may view this loan as a test of his knee. At Stoke he will receive regular football in the Premier League. If Zouma impresses and his knee holds up, he could force his way into the Blues’ starting line-up in the 2018/19 campaign.

Hence, the defender should welcome this opportunity to show his worth. Chelsea didn’t want to take a chance on him and waste a squad place. Additionally, sitting on the bench behind the starting centre-backs would only hamper him. Now, Zouma can take charge of a defence and get his career back on track.

Next: Predicting Chelsea’s best XI if the Premier League season started today

What do you think of the loan and/or extension? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below!

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