Chelsea: Barkley move, RLC rumors good for academy players

Chelsea has already sent Ross Barkley out on loan and with Ruben Loftus-Cheek likely right behind him, it’s music to the ears of academy players.

Admit it, you were as shocked as any of us when the notification popped up on your cell about Ross Barkley’s departure. Barkley’s temporary exit was always a possibility, but it seemed as if Ruben Loftus-Cheek would be the midfielder to go away on loan. He still may as well, as the 24-year-old seeks fitness. An important part of the decision making process for both midfielders is the playing time they’ll get elsewhere, and how that impacts their chances of making the Euros for England next summer.

However, with two attacking midfielders leaving the club, you’d think that stretches the Blues a little thin. In terms of natural midfielders, Frank Lampard still has Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Billy Gilmour (when healthy) at his disposal. It’s also worth noting that in ’emergency situations’, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have experience in the midfield. Chelsea still may move for Declan Rice as well, but the more realistic options come from the academy.

Nothing speaks more to the hectic nature of this summer’s transfer window than the fact there is now a path for academy players into the first team once again. When players like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva made the move to Stamford Bridge, last year’s biggest storyline—the promotion of young stars—seemed like it’d be put on the back burner. A plethora of players clogging up the first team depth made it look difficult for young stars to get consistent playing time like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori began to do last season.

While nobody from Cobham’s academy will be breaking through in the fashion the aforementioned did, there is a Billy Gilmour-esque route beginning to reveal itself for those on the cusp of moving up on a permanent basis. Not counting Nathan Baxter—who is already listed on the team’s official site as a first team goalkeeper—the most senior minutes will likely be given to Tino Anjorin.

Truth be told, Anjorin isn’t much different than the group of youngsters who earned Chelsea a top four finish last season. He’s been at the club since the age of six and no matter what challenges football or life throws at the 18-year-old, he’s always persevered and maintained his long-term goal is to play for the Chelsea first team. Anjorin made his first team debut last season under Lampard in the side’s 7-1 win over Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. He also featured in the Blues’ 4-0 win over Everton before the Coronavirus stoppage, making his debut in the Premier League.

Although Anjorin’s appearances were brief, he showed a lot of promise; earning him a new contract in west London through 2025. Another telling reality in this situation is the fact Anjorin is still at the club. Promising young midfielders—like Conor Gallagher and Ethan Ampadu—have already temporarily departed to get time elsewhere. If a loan move is ruled out, with Mount and Havertz representing the full extent of attacking midfield depth, Anjorin could make a permanent move up to the first team sooner rather than later.

In addition to Anjorin, 19-year-old Henry Lawrence could also see some minutes with Lampard’s side. Lawrence made an appearance in the Blues’ preseason friendly against Brighton and has been named one of the academy’s most promising prospects. However, whispers of a loan for Lawrence make Anjorin the more likely of the two to make a senior breakthrough.

News of Barkley’s move sent shockwaves through the club’s fanbase given the unexpected nature. Loftus-Cheek is likely up next and the window has yet to close, so there could be more incoming and outgoing transactions by the time October 5 rolls around. Regardless, as Lampard thins out the ranks of his senior squad, the reality remains that the academy players once again see a way through.