Batshuayi arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016 for a fee of around £35 million. However, despite the hefty price tag, the striker has failed to land a first time spot for Chelsea.
The Belgian made 20 Premier League appearances last season and scored five goals. But those 20 appearances were largely as a sub. And as a result, Batshuayi accumulated just 235 minutes of league game time last season.
This season Batshuayi has continued to struggle to make the Chelsea starting eleven. He has made 11 league appearances totalling 263 minutes. But the bulk of that game time came early in the season when Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard were not fit or available. Since Hazard’s return Batshuayi has struggled for any real game time as even when Morata was unavailable for Chelsea, Conte opted to play Hazard in a false nine rather than starting Batshuayi.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Batshuayi is keen to ensure he has regular game time for the rest of the season in order to fight for a place in the Belgium World Cup squad. Antonio Conte has seemingly agreed to this as he has said Batshuayi may leave Chelsea in January in order to find first-team football.
Here are three possible destinations for the Chelsea Forward.
Everton
Everton have made no secret of the fact they are in the market for a striker in January. They have already brought in Cenk Tosun from Besiktas to beef up their options up front.
However, given that Tosun has no Premier League experience, The Toffees would like to bring in someone like Batshuayi who has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League.
Despite the limited playing time Batshuayi has managed to score seven Premier League goals in 471 minutes of league football. That averages out at just over five games of football in which he has scored his seven league goals. That is a good tally for any striker and shows he can do it in the Premier League.
He has also scored two Champions League goals for Chelsea this season in 122 minutes of football. As well as three League Cup goals in three games. This further shows that Batshuayi has goals in him. He just needs the game time to prove it. Everton is certainly a place he could do that. Because they are in desperate need of a new striker as they have scored just one goal in their last four league games.
Newcastle
While Rafa Benitez is certainly doing a good job with the limited resources he has at his disposal, it is clear Newcastle need to sign players in January if they are to avoid relegation this season. They are currently 13th in the league. But they are still just two points above the relegation zone.
One area Newcastle are in desperate need of improvement in is their front men. Newcastle have scored just 20 goals in 22 league games this season. And part of that is due to their forwards poor form in front of goal.
Their top scorers are Dwight Gayle and Joselu, both of which have scored a dismal three goals this season. Having your top scorer on just three goals in January is something Newcastle should be seriously concerned about.
Batshuayi could certainly come in to provide a much better attacking threat for Newcastle and he is very likely to start most games for them which is what he needs to be doing in order to make the Belgium squad. Chelsea may even agree to a six-month loan deal if they don’t want to sell but still want to keep Batshuayi happy. This would also suit Newcastle as they are still trying to sort out the takeover of their club meaning finances are a bit up in the air.
Southampton
Southampton are another side in desperate need of goals this season that could do with Batshuayi services. The Saints are only above the relegation zone on goal difference. They are also in horrible form after losing three and drawing two of their last five games.
What is most problematic for Southampton at the moment though is they have just lost their top goal scorer. Charlie Austin was on six goals for the season. But he has suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for two months.
Southampton’s only other striking options are very poor. Shane Long did score in their last game. However, that was his first goal this season. Manolo Gabbiadini is also having a poor season. He has made 20 league appearances and scored just three goals.
Therefore, with Austin out it is clear Southampton need to add strikers in January and Chelsea’s Batshuayi could be that man.
