Chelsea’s transfer ban can help clear deadwood and pave the youth path

Overall, at first the transfer ban looks frightening for Chelsea; the possibility of no Champions League football and no ability to sign players have many wondering just what the Blues will look like come August.

However, this ban could be a blessing in disguise. It is no secret that Chelsea fans want to see players like Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi get more game time. With players leaving, and none brought in to clog the routes to the first team, it could finally provide the younger guys with that opportunity.

Tammy Abraham is too good for the Championship and could seriously benefit from time at the highest level even if he is not playing a full 90 minutes each week. The lad is good enough to be playing for Chelsea in the Europa League and Cup games and his time at the Bridge could give him that extra boost to achieve his potential.

The step up to Chelsea first team squad might be slightly too big a jump for Reece James, but if his play continues, he should certainly be considered over Zappacosta as a capable back up.

Initial preference should be given to Marco van Ginkel as he is the most established compared to Bakayoko and Ampadu. Ampadu probably has a head start from both management and the fans over Bakayoko and the young Welshman should see his playing time increase as well.

Zouma and Christensen are both capable, with the Dane probably getting the edge over Zouma just based on the fact that he has been at the club while the Frenchman has been out on loan. Zouma’s return will boost the squad depth and he would be first defensive choice off of the bench if not seriously challenging Christensen.

Whatever happens, these next two transfer windows will prove to be crucial in shaping the direction of Chelsea’s future. The club has, for the first time, the chance to really give its fabled loan army and youth system the opportunity it deserves to plug the holes in the first team squad.

The management structure in place at the Bridge has to seize the initiative, integrate loan players into the squad and properly set in place the future. Too often has Chelsea spent significantly to bring in players when a player out on loan could have been given the chance.

Now there is a chance to completely change Chelsea’s transfer vision and promotion policies and every effort to do so should be taken.