Chelsea’s loan army has been trimmed more than any other time in recent memory. With windows shut, who is where and worth keeping an eye on?
In previous years, Chelsea’s loan army has been a true juggernaut. But this summer saw it trimmed down both through sales and players staying with the first team. Now at 28 (albeit 29 technically), the loan army is as small as it has been for some time. Who is worth watching this season and who is probably just waiting to move on?
Keepers
Nathan Baxter: Ross County
Baxter is only 20 but has already chocked up quite a few loans in increasingly more difficult circumstances. In each, he has managed to play which is harder than one might think for a loanee keeper. He will be tested heavily in Scotland and then the club can evaluate how ready he is for another step in his journey.
Jamal Blackman: Vitesse
Blackman has had a rough go of things thanks to injury issues. Before that, he seemed poised to be an ideal deputy at Chelsea one day but this delay has pulled him off the rails. He struggled to find a place at Leeds last season and now a period in the Netherlands may be just what is needed for him to get back on track.