Bertrand Traore is open to a move back to Premier League champions Chelsea in the future. He left Stamford Bridge to join Lyon for £9 million in June, which he regards as the best decision he has ever made.
“Going from Chelsea was the best decision for me, I am enjoying myself.” he told the Daily Mail. He commented on Chelsea’s youth system claiming that opportunities are hard to come by for youngsters. Chelsea has witnessed the departure of prospects like Dominic Solanke, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake this summer. To provide some context, Chelsea currently have 34 players out on loan. It is clear that the Pensioners’ strategy triggered the Burkina Faso striker into forcing a move to save his career and establish himself in the big stage.
When asked about a return to west London, he said, “Why not, it is up to me to develop and progress as a player and prove that I am good enough to play in the Premier League. Others went back, it is a possibility. I have to focus on Lyon, do my best and see what I do in the future.”
Traore started his career with Auxere before moving to Chelsea in 2013. He was loaned out to Vitesse where he impressed in his second season for the Dutch team by scoring 17 goals in 51 appearances. In total, he has netted 20 in 51 occurrences for them.
He was called back to Chelsea and enjoyed a purple patch under interim manager Guus Hiddink where he scored 4 goals in 5 games towards the end of a dreadful season for Chelsea. Unfortunately, those were his only goals for the Blues in 16 appearances. After the arrival of Conte, he was yet again sent out on loan to Ajax where he again came up with inspirational performances, finishing the season with 13 goals.
This season, he has scored 4 goals, 2 each in domestic and Europa league. Being an early bloomer, he represented his country in the African Cup of Nations at the age of 15. The 22-year-old already has 42 caps for his nation and has contributed with 7 goals.
The forward is an able passer in the final third. He can hold on to the ball well which involves more players, shoot from distance and perform defensive duties as well. The spearhead can link up with players, dribble inside to cause damage to the opponent. His movement is bound to get better with age and experience.
Chelsea right now needs to focus on one of two options regarding a striker; either trust Batshuayi or sign a striker who has proved himself. The club need not divert their attention to such rumours and statements as it is clear that Traore is loving life at Lyon and there is a long way to go for a possible return. However, they need to trust their players, who possess high calibre and are proving it in the youth tournaments.
