Chelsea could exploit little-known transfer rule loophole to send forgotten player out on loan

Chelsea could take advantage of a little-known FIFA rule to loan out a forgotten player in the January transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are 10th in the Premier League table despite ending 2023 with two wins on the bounce.

The Blues ran out 2-1 and 3-2 winners over Crystal Palace and Luton Town to ensure they started the year in the top half.

It's still been an underwhelming season considering the over £1 billion spent by Todd Boehly since he took over the club.

Chelsea's squad is incredibly bloated and outgoings will be vital if they want to sanction any incomings.

They currently have seven senior players out on loan, which is the limit according to FIFA rules.

Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Diego Moreira, Angelo, David Datro Fofana and Gabriel Slolina sealed temporary moves away from Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.

Ian Maatsen has been linked with an exit after failing to establish himself in the first team.

Players who are 21 and under are exempt from the rule, which means the defender will be eligible to depart on loan if he chooses to.

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Maatsen joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven as a 16-year-old and is classed as a 'club-trained' player after spending more than 36 months in their academy.

The Netherlands international impressed on loan at Burnley last season, helping the Clarets to Championship glory.

He had the opportunity to return to Turf Moor on loan but decided not to in hopes of impressing Pochettino.

Maatsen has featured 15 times this season, but only three have come as starts.

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The 21-year-old has been linked with Borussia Dortmund, while a second stint with Burnley isn't out of the question.

Pochettino recently had to deny rumours he wouldn't be involved in any business conducted this month.

He told reporters: "It's obvious that the head coach, coach or manager is crazy to think he won't be involved in any decisions for the future in my area.

"Of course, we will share with the owners, the sporting director and I cannot conceive the idea of not being involved."