Over the last few seasons, Chelsea have taken to signing some of the brightest young talents in the world game, only to send them out on loan in order to prepare themselves for the Premier League.
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Many never make it into the Chelsea first team after making scant impression at Stamford Bridge. Gael Kakuta moved on a permanent deal to Sevilla earlier this season after having made only six first-team appearances in West London.
During the 2014-15 season, no fewer than 22 players were away at the club on loan, and while some may hope of breaking into Jose Mourinho’s plans upon their return to West London, the vast majority will leave the club—either permanently or on another temporary move.
In this feature, we plan the futures of some of the most high-profile names currently on the club’s books.
Oriol Romeu
The Spanish midfielder enjoyed a spell in the first-team under Andre Villas-Boas, but appears not to have a chance of making the starting XI under Mourinho.
He has been linked with a move to Watford, and may see the switch to the Premier League new boys as a chance to impress in the top flight once again—he would surely have lots to do at the base of the Hornets’ midfield.
With only two years left on his current deal, this perhaps represents Romeu’s last chance to convince the Pensioners of his worth.
Marko Marin
Marko Marin spent last season on loan at Anderlecht, but worryingly for the winger, the Belgian giants have opted not to sign him on a permanent deal.
The Germany international’s career has stalled in a major way at Stamford Bridge, and a return to his homeland may be best for all parties.
Marco van Ginkel
Marco van Ginkel spent last season on loan at AC Milan, and while he has been linked with a permanent stay with the Rossoneri, a permanent switch to another Premier League side may be in the offing.
Algemeen Dagblad have reported that Steve McClaren’s Newcastle United are keen to sign the Netherlands international.
At 22, van Ginkel still has time to turn things around and prove he can cut it in the EPL.
Mohamed Salah
Few doubt the Egypt forward’s talent, but Mohamed Salah looks no closer to breaking into Chelsea’s first team.
He impressed on loan at Fiorentina last season, reaffirming his quality and his menace in attacking areas, and looks set for another temporary move away from Stamford Bridge.
The Viola are understood to be keen to acquire him, while Inter Milan are also believed to be looking at the former FC Basel man.
Lucas Piazon
Once considered to be something of a wonderkid, Lucas Piazon’s stock has fallen after a mixed season in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Brazilian looks no closer to the Chelsea first team, having managed only 11 Bundesliga starts last term, and he perhaps merits an evaluation after Frankfurt admitted they were not keen on keeping him on board [ESPN].
Perhaps it’s time for the Pensioners to cut his losses.
Patrick Bamford
The news that Bertrand Traore has secured his work permit may come as bad news for Patrick Bamford, for whom the route to the starting XI looks barred by many obstacles.
The likes of Everton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are all keen on the talented England U21 star, and while Bamford has expressed his desire to remain at Stamford Bridge, a move to a mid-table Premier League side looks like the best bet.
Bertrand Traore
Having secured a work permit, now is the time for Bertrand Traore to make it at Chelsea.
The 19-year-old has been one of the club’s stars at Vitesse Arnhem, and having been highly-rated by the club for several years, the Blues may look to pull the trigger on the player.
He scored 14 goals in the Eredivisie last term, and may get the chance to impress during the Pensioners’ pre-season summer tour.
Victor Moses
Victor Moses’s promising start at Chelsea looks set to end with a low-key transfer away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Nigeria forward moved to West London despite the advice of Wigan Athletic then-chairman Dave Whelan, who recommended that he stayed at the JJB Stadium to learn his trade.
After an impressive early start in West London, he moved on loan—unsuccessfully—to Liverpool, and then successfully to Stoke City.
The Potters may be keen on signing the Super Eagles forward permanently, although they are likely to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
Josh McEachran
Now 22, Josh McEachran appears to have made precious little progress over the last few seasons, he certainly looks no closer to the starting XI.
While once he appeared on the brink of the first team, a move to Swansea City didn’t quite work out, and he wasn’t always a regular in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem.
Perhaps a move away from the club would be best at this point.
Tomas Kalas and Nathan Ake
According to Goal, via the Daily Star, both Nathan Ake and Tomas Kalas will be heading off to Middlesbrough next season.
The latter featured for Aitor Karanka’s club last season, helping them to the final of the playoffs, while Ake has been linked with a move to AS Monaco.
Karanka has an excellent relationship with Mourinho, so don’t be surprised to see one or two more Chelsea players join Ake and Kalas at the Riverside Stadium next season.