How a transfer embargo could affect Chelsea players
Chelsea will appeal after being hit with a transfer embargo by Fifa. As things stand, the London club will be unable to make signings for the next two transfer windows. And that could have implications for a number of Blues players.
Eden Hazard
While the assumption has been that Hazard will sign a new contract at Chelsea or leave for Real Madrid, the prospect of a transfer embargo leaves the Blues, who stand sixth in the EPL Table, in an awkward position. New signing Christian Pulisic doesn’t look like the finished article and if the club are not in a position to sign a suitable replacement for their talisman then cashing in might seem a very unattractive option. On the other hand, though, they would have to consider the possibility of Hazard eventually leaving for no fee the following summer, when his current contract expires.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
A Chelsea transfer embargo could also affect Hudson-Odoi, who has made it clear he wants to join Bayern Munich. Like Hazard, the 18-year-old’s contract expires next year – although in his case the Blues would be entitled to a compensation payment because of his age. Chelsea, even though have barely allowed the 18-year-old to start in the EPL Fixtures, do not want to sell him and not being able to add to their squad might make losing such a talented player seem even more unattractive. Willian and Pedro are not getting any younger and Hudson-Odoi can expect more first-team outings if he stays.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Having faced a fight for a first-team place as players have come in, surely the conveyor belt stopping for a while would help Loftus-Cheek in his quest to secure a regular place. With no replacement for Cesc Fabregas having been signed and the prospect of Mateo Kovacic returning to Real Madrid after his loan spell, the odds could be stacked in Loftus-Cheek’s favour for once.
Ethan Ampadu
A player who might otherwise have gone out on loan, Ampadu could be an important option for Chelsea if signings aren’t possible. Gary Cahill’s expected departure will see him move up the pecking order and Ampadu’s versatility will also no doubt be taken into consideration during an embargo – the teenager has featured in midfield, as a central defender and at right-back.
