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Chelsea loan army: Keep, loan or sell? Series conclusion

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea embraces Mason Mount of Chelsea following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea embraces Mason Mount of Chelsea following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus battles for possession with Tiemoue Bakayoko of Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 13, 2021 in Naples, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus battles for possession with Tiemoue Bakayoko of Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 13, 2021 in Naples, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /

1. Keep

10 of the 33 individuals in the loan army made the ‘keep’ list—although nine of those 10 had other options attached to their names. Tiemoue Bakayoko was the only individual I believe the Blues should retain next season without a doubt in my mind. Defensive midfielder is a position of need for Chelsea this summer and Bakayoko has proven himself a capable player in that spot throughout his career. The one thing I discovered when researching more about his career was that it usually takes him a year or two to get acclimated. Further, Thomas Tuchel tried to sign the midfielder while at Paris Saint-Germain, so he seems keen to play him in the middle of the park.

There are also a lot of players on the fringe of the first team and another loan. These individuals include Marc Guehi, Malang Sarr, Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher. It’s more likely than not they all head out on loan again, but it also wouldn’t surprise anyone to see any of these names on the senior roster next season. Gallagher and Ampadu have been bright spots in Premier League relegation sides. Guehi has helped Swansea City get into the promotion playoff for the second consecutive season and Sarr has gotten time under his belt in the Champions League. They’re all destined for great careers with Chelsea, it’s just a matter of when.

The third group of ‘keep’ players are ones who could stay with the team if they accept a role as a back-up. This classification includes players like Michy Batshuayi and Kenedy. Batshuayi’s inclusion would prevent the need for a third No. 9 (assuming Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham are sold). Meanwhile, Kenedy has proven himself as a talented wide man and could back up someone like Timo Werner or Christian Pulisic on the wings.

Of course, there are also a few special classifications. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was the only player in the series who could fit into all three categories. He’s not had a very successful stint at Fulham, but he’s worked his way back to full health, which matters most. The next step in his career will depend on what Tuchel sees in the preseason. Fikayo Tomori is someone the Blues would love to keep, but his future is out of their hands as we await AC Milan’s decision regarding his buy clause. Lastly, Malik Mothersille should stay at the club, but continue to develop at the academy level.

Chelsea will surely be busy in the transfer market over the summer, it has no shortage of options in the loan army though. Look for the Blues to give a few returning players their shots over the next few months.

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