Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reportedly set to join Turkish side Fenerbahce on loan in January after falling down in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge this season.
According to Turkish media outlet Ajansspor (h/t Sport Witness), Fenerbahce are closing in on a deal to lure Oscar away from the clutches of manager Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian midfielder has fallen out of favour as Conte has opted to pick Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante ahead of him.
Oscar was linked with a move away from the club in the summer following the big-money acquisition of N’Golo Kante, but managed to convince the manager that he was capable of doing a good job for the Blues. However, the Brazilian failed to impress in the starts he was handed in the initial stages of the campaign, and is set to walk out of the door, albeit on a temporary basis, in January.
With just five league starts from 15 games this season, it makes no sense for Oscar to continue playing the role of a fringe player at Stamford Bridge. Still only 25 years of age, it is essential for the midfielder to play week in and week out if he is to challenge himself to go to the next level in his career.
While Fenerbahce may not be the ideal destination for him, an impressive showing in Turkey can see Oscar draw attention from a number of the top European clubs. Conte too, will be keeping a keen eye on him and could make a decision on the player’s future at the end of the 2016/17 season.
Signing a player of Oscar’s calibre could prove to be a significant coup for a side of Fenerbache’s stature. The Turkish side are on the back of a memorable 1-0 win over Feyenoord in the Europa League, snapping the Dutch side’s 19 game unbeaten run at home.
Post the game, manager Dick Advocaat hinted at the possibility of a midfield signing in the January transfer window:
“We could have done more in midfield. We should have done more. We are taking too many touches. That’s not good enough. We’ll work on it of course. And can we make something in the transfer window? Maybe yes but it’s all about economics.”
Thus, it remains to be seen whether or not Advocaat decides to rope in the Chelsea sensation and add the much needed guile that has been lacking in his midfield this season.