Premier League giants Chelsea have a squad stacked with elite young talents, and they have done well to bring in some exciting prospects.
A number of young players have not been able to get ample opportunities at Stamford Bridge. So, Chelsea will have to manage them better by loaning them out in the summer transfer window. The Blues must focus on developing them and helping them achieve their true potential.
Lack of game time at this stage of their careers could affect their development negatively, and the Blues must look to send them out on loan if they cannot promise them ample first-team action next season. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at five players who should be sent out on loan so that they can get their careers back on track with regular football elsewhere.
Noni Madueke
Chelsea signed the highly talented winger from PSV Eindhoven, but they have not been able to give him enough exposure. The 22-year-old has started just four matches in the Premier League, and he needs to play more often in order to continue his development.
The winger has chipped in with four goals across all competitions despite the limited game time and he’s likely to improve further with more opportunities. Once a top talent in the Tottenham academy, Madueke has the potential to become a world-class attacker. But regular game time will be crucial for that.
Chelsea already have players like Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku who are capable of operating in the wide areas. The Blues must focus on nurturing the young players carefully, and sending Madueke out on loan next season would be ideal for his development.
Andrey Santos
The Brazilian midfielder is regarded as one of the finest young prospects in South African football right now. But he has had a difficult time this season. He has had loan spells with Nottingham Forest and French club RC Strasbourg. However, he has played a total of 130 minutes across all competitions.
The 19-year-old midfielder needs to play more often, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can find a suitable destination for him to go out on loan. Chelsea must seek game-time assurances for the young midfielder before sending him out on loan.
Santos has all the tools to develop into a top-class midfielder with the right guidance. He has technical attributes, flair and goals in his game. He has shown his quality for Brazil in the youth levels, and he could be a key player for Chelsea in the long run if they can nurture improperly. A fruitful loan spell next season could do wonders for the player.
Romeo Lavia
Chelsea paid a premium for the former Southampton midfielder, and he was expected to be a regular starter for them. He has suffered with multiple injury problems since moving to Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder will be behind the likes of Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order. It will be difficult for him to hold down a regular starting spot at Chelsea next season. Although the Blues might be under pressure to keep him at the club so that they have more options at their disposal, sending him out on loan would be ideal for the youngster.
Lavia needs regular game time at this stage of his career, and Chelsea will have to handle his development better. He was regarded as one of the finest prospects in England during his time at Southampton and has the attributes to developing to a key player for Chelsea in the long run.
Deivid Washington
The 18-year-old Brazilian forward completed his move to Chelsea back in August, and he has signed a seven-year contract with them. He was handed his Premier League debut against Brighton in October, but that is the last time he appeared for the Blues in the English top flight.
Washington needs more opportunities in order to continue his development, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea decide to send him out or loan. The Brazilian is highly rated in South America, and he has a big future ahead of him. Sitting on the bench at Chelsea is unlikely to benefit him.
Lesley Ugochukwu
The 19 year-old French midfielder joined Chelsea from Rennes at the start of the season, and he signed a seven-year contract with them. He was handed his debut at the start of the season against Liverpool, and he has made 13 appearance as across all competitions for the Blues, mostly as cameos.
Ugochukwu is highly rated in France, and he has a bright future ahead of him. The midfielder will be relatively pleased with the opportunities he has received at Chelsea so far. But he needs more game time in order to accelerate his development and establish himself as a first team player for the Blues.
It is ironic that the teenage prospect was the alternative to Moises Caicedo when it seemed he might join Liverpool. Chelsea ended up signing Caicedo, which has hampered Ugochukwu this season. Going out on loan next season could be ideal for the young midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can find a suitable destination for him.
