Signed from Augsburg in 2015, Abdul Baba Rahman has had a frustrating time at Chelsea. The Ghanaian defender has only made 15 appearances for the club since his hefty £21.7 million switch from the German side. He is now being chased by another German side Schalke 04 who wants to bring him in January.
An attacking left back in nature, Rahman was brought in as a back-up for Mourinho’s title-winning squad. However, a disastrous season at Chelsea saw every player fail to perform and things had to be shaken from the 2016-17 season. Baba Rahman failed to impress new boss Conte and was sent out on loan to Schalke to get some much-needed game time.
Unfortunately, Rahman’s season at Schalke was cut short in January when the player suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while serving his country at the African Cup of Nations. He returned to Chelsea at the end of the season where he continued his rehab. He returned to fitness and first-team training in September.
However, he has not yet shown any glimpses of potential and good form since his return and Chelsea, who had his name omitted from their Premier League and Champions League squads, have not yet found a reason to rue their decision.
Chelsea who failed to land a new left back in the summer is now left with Marcos Alonso as the only senior player in the left back position. Kenedy was a makeshift left-back but the Brazilian lacks the tactical discipline to succeed in that position and has been sent out on loan.
This January Chelsea has the chance to shuffle around names in their squads and are looking to bring in Emerson Palmieri from AS Roma making it even tougher for Rahman to claw his way back.
It is certain that Chelsea will boost their squad in January with the signing of a left back a priority. However, buying players in this inflated market will not be easy and with Chelsea’s desperation to buy a left back imminent, clubs will play hardball to extract more money.
Hence it is crucial for Conte to oversee Rahman’s development and try and put him back in the squad until the arrival for Emerson is officially announced. However, should Emerson come to London, Chelsea should not hesitate in sanctioning a move for Rahman as it would benefit all parties involved.
