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Chelsea’s all-time loan army hall of fame, shame, honour and infamy

By The Pride of London Staff

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Andreas Christensen is the loan army success story Chelsea FC have been promising fans and young players for years. Which loanees left the biggest mark on fans at a club where they played no more than a handful of games?

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Joshua McEachran (C) of Chelsea in action against Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.on semi final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 10, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

In recent seasons, Chelsea’s loan army would make up a top-four club in most leagues around the world. Young prospects, mid-career hangers-on and random players that Chelsea have under contract but no one really thinks about all ply their trade elsewhere hoping for a call back to Stamford Bridge or a permanent transfer to a forever home.

Here are some Chelsea loanees who, for better or worse, have a special place in the history of the loan army and our hearts.

1. Josh McEachran – Ajitesh Rasgotra

It’s time for a tragic story. One of a young man who tasted first-team football early, only to have it torn away from him.

Josh McEachran was probably the first high-profile failure of the Chelsea loan system. The youngster was widely regarded as one of the most promising players in the country. Hell, even Real Madrid wanted to sign him when he was 16 years old.

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However, McEachran rejected the chance to move to Spain, sticking with the Blues instead. Unfortunately, it was probably the biggest mistake in his life.

The Englishman trained with the first-team for much of the 2009/10 campaign, despite still being under 18. He was then named to the club’s Champions League squad for the following season and even made the bench. McEachran made nine Premier League appearances in that season with Carlo Ancelotti taking a liking to him.

That would be his peak.

Andre Villas-Boas then took charge at Stamford Bridge in a notorious reign and McEachran embarked on the first of what would eventually be five loan spells. He permanently cut his ties with Chelsea in 2015 to restart his career at Brentford.

Fortunately, McEachran is still only 24 and he has been flourishing since his departure. From the highs to the lows, the Englishman could still make a name for himself in the Premier League. Let’s hope he does.

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