The Loan Report: 2022-23 Season Review
This summer is reportedly set to be a seminal moment in the grand history of the Chelsea ?Loan Army?.
For a decade or more now, the Blues have been at the forefront of the organised outsourcing of youth development for 18-22 year-old prospects considered too good for academy football but not quite ready for the big-time at Stamford Bridge. Those prospects have occasionally yet consistently been joined by overflow from the men?s first-team squad; ill-conceived signings not wanted by yet another new manager, and, while there are success stories littered throughout, the history books will likely reflect on the journey with plenty of uncertainty.
FIFA?s new rules came into effect last summer, limiting clubs to a smaller number of international loans, while making exemptions for players who are both club-trained and Under-21 (they must fulfil both criteria, not one or the other). The magic number for 2023 is seven such loans overseas, before we finally settle on six next in 2024. At a time when Chelsea are also pursuing multi-club arrangements, no one club may loan more than three players in or our from another, which will factor into their thinking there too. A scaling-back of the operation is therefore seen to be soon in effect. Suggestions that players will be moved on permanently after two moves without making progress towards a Chelsea future might be premature or misplaced but, in principle, a long-standing programme that continues to be refined and reevaluated may take on...
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