Some Surprise Names Will Be Returning To Chelsea Next Season
Chelsea's squad could have a very different, and surprising, look to it next season, after the UK government announced sanctions against Roman Abramovich.
The Chelsea owner was looking to sell the Premier League club, in the wake of Russia's invasion on Ukraine, however on Thursday that changed.
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Abramovich has now been placed under sanctions by the UK, meaning he can't sell, and, whilst the team can continue to play, it will affect the squad.
No players can be bought, or even sign a new contract, and they can't be sold either, meaning that Thomas Tuchel will have to make do with his current squad. That will also mean that players who are currently on loan will be back at Stamford Bridge next year.
Whilst the likes of Connor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour and Armando Broja might actually be welcomed with open arms, there is some names fans wouldn't have necessarily been expecting back.
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In defence, Ethan Ampadu, Emerson Palmieri, Matt Miazga and Baba Rahman could all feature after being on loan, which might actually help the Blues massively.
Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Anders Christiansen are all out of contract in the summer and under the current sanctions the Blues can't keep them or replace them.
In midfield, Gallagher and Gilmour could certainly be of use, especially considering the former's form whilst on loan at Crystal Palace this season.
Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko might also have returned to the squad, but Drinkwater's contract is one of those expiring and Bakayoko's loan at AC Milan is until 2023.
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Broja has been in impressive form for Southampton on loan this season, with the Albanian forward having scored six times in the league, and the Saints might have wanted to keep him for another year or sign him permanently, if they could.
The 20-year-old isn't the only forward who could come back to west London though, with Michy Batshuayi also set to return, after signing a new contract until 2023 before joining Besiktas on loan for this season.
Tuchel's side were expected to challenge for the title this season, but, after initially making it look like a three horse race, their form fell off.
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He would no doubt have needed and wanted reinforcements in the summer, however now he'll have to make do with a horde of returning loanees.
Which player currently not at the club do you think will make the biggest impact?
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Roman Abramovich, Transfers
Ryan Sidle