Michael Emanelo, upon his resignation, said that he was proud of Chelsea’s loan system and went on to add that Andreas Christensen was proof that the system worked wonders. While Christensen’s development testifies Emanelo’s comment, his statement is far from complete.
Chelsea have produced excellent youth products over the last few years. These kids have won every major trophy at the youth level. They have then been loaned out for further development. After that, things have gone horribly wrong. Christensen is probably only the second player after John Terry to rise through the club ranks and the only one in Emanelo’s ten-year tenure at the club.
Chelsea have lost fine young talents in the process, many the Blues have gone on to rue. It now seems that Chelsea could be on their way to regret the loaning out of another player.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been in fine form this season. The attacking midfielder was sidelined in September by injury. However, since his return, he has figured in nine of Palace’s 13 Premier League games this season. He has also made an impressive debut for the England national team and went on to grab his chance by securing the man of the match award against Germany.
Roy Hodgson has recently alerted the media to the added clause in Loftus-Cheek’s loan contract that Chelsea holds the power to call him back based on certain ifs and buts. He told reporters, “I have a feeling that they have the right to call him back if he is not playing enough games or featuring in enough games, which is a good clause.
“If you are loaning out players who you believe in to get playing time, and the clubs aren’t using the player, then I think you are entitled to bring them back.
“I think that clause exists. That is, I suppose, a risk for us. If we suddenly decide we don’t want to use him then he could go back.”
“We are enjoying having him with us and using him in our team, so I don’t think I have to fear that at this moment in time,” added Hodgson.
Chelsea have suffered this season with their midfield injury crisis but now that all their four senior midfielders are fit and raring to go, it would not make much sense to recall the young English international. Loftus-Cheek is finally getting some very valuable game time at Palace, something he definitely will not get in Chelsea and so it is important for the Blues to not be short-sighted and recall Loftus-Cheek.
It would lead to another Nathan Ake case like it did last year with the situation ending bitterly for Chelsea as Ake was desperate to leave the club after being benched for the last six months of the season.
