Chelsea are set to be banned for two successive transfer windows after being charged by FIFA for breaching rules concerning youth players. The ban will be until the end of the January transfer window next year, and it does not apply to the release of players and Chelsea women’s and futsal teams. The West London outfit has already launched an appeal against FIFA’s decision, but no update has since taken place.
This recent development could have a significant impact on Everton’s chances of landing Kurt Zouma from Chelsea permanently at the end of this campaign. Assuming that the ban takes place, the Pensioners would want all of their loan players back so that they can boost their squad for the new campaign. Zouma has all the makings of a great defender so Chelsea might want to explore the possibility of keeping him at Stamford Bridge heading into the new campaign.
The French centre-back has been a rock at the back for Marco Silva’s side during this campaign and has gradually developed his game to become a reliable member of the Everton backline. The Lyon born talent has featured in 27 matches for the Toffees this term and has one goal and two assists to his name across all competitions.
The 24-year-old has made 0.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game for the Merseyside outfit this season (Stats taken from Whoscored) which has helped Everton climb to the 9th spot of the Premier League table.
Zouma is a strong and athletic defender who knows how to make timely interceptions for his team. He also has enough pace in his locker to recover in 1v1 situations when he is left isolated at the back. However, what will appeal to Chelsea is the fact that the French defender has developed his game during his time at Goodison Park and can now play the ball out from the back.
At 24, he is only about to embark upon the peak years of his career so it will be a big miss for the Toffees if they fail to land him permanently at the end of this campaign. Marco Silva has shown in the recent past that he can get the best out of Zouma so it will be a bitter blow for him to lose one of his most cherished assets next summer.
However, there is also a chance that Chelsea might not fancy bringing him back and would rather choose to cash in on him so that they can keep other star players happy and fund a permanent move for Gonzalo Higuain in the summer. A lot will also ride on Maurizio Sarri’s future and whether he ends up staying at Stamford Bridge for the long-run.
