Tiemoue Bakayoko’s time at Chelsea closer to an end than a new beginning

Beneath it all, Tiemoue Bakayoko probably is a good player. But he has not shown that for Chelsea and his time may be running out if it has not already.

Chelsea desperately wanted Tiemoue Bakayoko to join. Even among a very talented group of players at Monaco that season, he stood out. But injuries made him miss the end of that season and delayed his transfer. He was rushed back into action for Chelsea but never looked comfortable in blue.

It is harsh to judge a player on just one season. One season wonders happen all the time, as do one season flops. Bakayoko was loaned to AC Milan with a buy clause where he had a rocky start but ultimately rebounded. This preseason, he has had a chance to earn a spot in the Chelsea squad.

He has so far failed to do so. Benefit of the doubt can be given to players on the young side, but Bakayoko is an established player. And like fellow established players, being good enough is not good enough this preseason. After two lackluster showings, it is probably best that Chelsea start shopping the Frenchman out.

Paris Saint Germain is the only club that has a clear interest as of now. But on paper the only reason they would want him is because he is French. Stylistically, Bakayoko seems an extremely poor fit for the style of football Thomas Tuchel advocates. He could look better in a team miles ahead of the competition, but it is still an odd move.

Outside of PSG, it will be hard to find a landing spot for Bakayoko. The leagues that can afford the price Chelsea will ask for are likely leagues too intense for Bakayoko currently. The leagues that suit him better lack teams with the resources to make it happen.

Chelsea also has to judge a this or that calculus on Bakayoko. As poor as he has been this preseason so far, it is early days. He also has a skill set that most of Chelsea’s other midfielders lack. As much as Frank Lampard has already shown a preference for versatility, it will be hard to immediately dismiss a unique skillset.

It also may depend on Ethan Ampadu. If the young Welshman is seen as a midfielder and can get enough minutes, then there is no question between him and Bakayoko. Ampadu showed two seasons ago that he was very much Premier League ready and it is past time to give him those types of minutes.

But overall, this all goes back to Bakayoko needing to make a statement and failing to do so. Even at less than half fit, he should be standing out against Irish teams. He stood out in all the wrong ways. The talent is there but he simply cannot show it in a way that a club like Chelsea requires.

Bakayoko is closer to the exit door than ever. If he does not make the Japanese tour, the writing is on the wall. Even if he does make it, he needs to show something truly special to earn a Chelsea spot going forward.