Opinion: Chelsea talent should look elsewhere for temporary January exit

It’s no secret that Chelsea have a considerable number of players on their books for the 2024/25 season.

Although that gives manager Enzo Maresca plenty of options when it comes to picking a matchday squad, having so many options can have plenty of negative impacts on players, especially those looking to secure regular football to further their development. 

One player to fall into that category is Cesare Casadei, who has been on Chelsea’s books since 2022, after completing a move to Stamford Bridge from Italian giants Inter Milan. Casadei is highly rated amongst fans and pundits, with the midfielder displaying his qualities for the Italy Under 21’s team recently. He’s spent time out on loan with both Reading and Leicester City, and made a positive impact with the Royals in particular, in what was the first loan spell of his senior career during the 2022/23 season. 

He made 15 appearances in total for the Berkshire-based side in the Championship, and was one of their standout players in that campaign. A loan spell at Leicester City was a success as well, with three goals and two assists in 25 appearances, as they won promotion back into the Premier League. However, since returning to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, he’s been limited to just 11 substitute appearances, and one start in their EFL Cup thrashing of League Two side Barrow, which is disappointing to see for a player with so much potential. 

It’s understandable that Casadei hasn’t featured as much for Chelsea, as they simply have stronger options such as Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer taking up the central positions so far this season.

Maresca’s trust in that trio has proved successful as well, with Chelsea sat fifth in the top-flight standings after five matches. With just one defeat to their name to date, they’ll fancy their chances of challenging for a top-four finish if they can maintain this positive run of form. 

With Maresca having plenty of stronger options in his midfield at this moment in time, it could be wise for Casadei to look elsewhere for a loan move in search of regular game time to further his development. At the age of 21, he’s still got his best years ahead of him, but that exciting potential will only be reached providing he can secure the regular minutes he needs at a top level.

If he can have a third successful loan spell away from Chelsea, then he could well be in line to become a regular in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge, which is the ideal scenario for all parties involved. 

It should be a no-brainer for Casadei to look for a loan move. If he didn’t have one eye on a temporary exit away from Chelsea, you’d have to question his work ethic and willingness to fulfil his potential, which currently isn’t being reached in the Chelsea first-team.