Chelsea: Longer stay for Kovacic, Higuain may be unwanted but necessary

Chelsea made the rare move of loaning in players this season. Neither is particularly wanted back by most, but it may be necessary to extend their loans.

Chelsea still faces the prospect of a transfer ban which they have not appealed (and as the window is already opened, they may as well let it stand). Even still, the Blues are reportedly able to transfer in Mateo Kovacic and Gonzalo Higuain who are currently on loan at Chelsea.

Kovacic was likely a deal of connivance, Higuain a favor for Maurizio Sarri. Chelsea needed another midfielder and as they worked on the Thibaut Courtois transfer with Real Madrid, they likely worked on Kovacic’s loan at the same time. Kovacic has hardly excited. Higuain, meanwhile, was wanted by Sarri in the summer but the board thought it a bad idea. They eventually allowed it and it has gone as terribly as expected.

Under normal circumstances, there would be absolutely no reason to bring either back. But Chelsea does not currently exist in normal circumstances with the ban and major injuries.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to miss a significant amount of playing time. Without being able to buy, Chelsea only has the loan army to dip into. Tiemoue Bakayoko and Mason Mount will likely both be involved, though the former may try to push for a move and the latter would require faith. With few options currently at Chelsea, it makes sense to bring Kovacic back if the price is right.

Kovacic is often criticized for lacking in end product and for being a bad fit. In real terms, he is a player who is perhaps better at linking other players together. In addition, if Chelsea is to switch managers (which is as up in the air as the ban), then Kovacic’s skill set is much more adaptable to other styles. Chelsea should not spend a ton on him, but from a numbers and adaptability stand point, Kovacic is worth it.

Higuain staying is much harder to defend. Sarri wants him to stay and the Italian manager staying will likely force the issue. On that same note, it will also likely see Olivier Giroud push for a move. Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham can return to supplement but either leading the line might be uncomfortable. Batshuayi has had a rough season and hardly lit the league up while at Crystal Palace. Abraham has all the potential, but like Mount he will be a faith roster spot.

Given the outside factors, it makes sense to bring Higuain and Kovacic back if only to fill in the depth chart. Of course Chelsea should not spend heavily on either but, even as subpar as they have been at times, the roster could use them. Kovacic could cover until Loftus-Cheek is fit again and Higuain can cover for if Batshuayi or Abraham cannot live up to their potential.

There is the chance the ban is delayed still and in that eventuality neither player should be signed. But as things stand, it would be pragmatic to bring them back for another season.