Chelsea are well-known for the sheer amount of players they send out on loan each season. Heading into 2022/23, they might be even more thankful than usual to welcome their stars back for pre-season. Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that players like Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher are Chelsea's first and foremost and will have an opportunity to impress.
The impact of such players could prove vital with the Blues ability to act in the transfer market ahead of that stage, having been truncated due to the licence Chelsea had to operate under before Todd Boehly, and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover at the end of May. If some loanees prove they have the ability to step up, it will take the pressure off what is a significant transfer window for Tuchel's side. After some high profile departures and several players entering the final year of their contracts.
football.london takes a look at what could lie in the future for Chelsea's loan army members. Check out the status of the goalkeepers and defenders who went out on loan here and the Blues' midfielders and forwards below:
READ MORE: Chelsea complete first deals following Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover
Tino Anjorin (contract set to expire 2025)
In another world, Tino Anjorin may have already left Stamford Bridge after his loan to Lokomotiv Moscow included an option to buy the 20-year-old midfielder. However, a broken metatarsal saw Anjorin return to Cobham prematurely, and his season-long loan ended before heading to Huddersfield in January.
Anjorin managed just seven substitute appearances for the Terriers as he worked his way back to full fitness but still left a good impression. The length of his Blue deal means a loan could be an option as Anjorin tries once again to reach his best form, but his consideration of a permanent move last summer means there could be further options on the table.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (contract set to expire 2024)
The Chelsea midfielder won the league with AC Milan but struggled for playing time in the latter half of the season. The France international extended his Chelsea deal ahead of the move to the San Siro, so the Blues will retain hope of receiving a fee for the midfielder. Bakayoko still has another season on loan in Milan, with the Serie A options having an option to buy the former Monaco star. A fifth loan could not be ruled out, however.
Danny Drinkwater (contract set to expire)
After a year on loan at Reading, Drinkwater has already announced the end of his Chelsea career. The midfielder made just 23 competitive appearances after his £35 million transfer from Leicester but endured a difficult time with the Blues, something Drinkwater acknowledged as much.
He said: "Me, the club and the fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome. There is no doubt about that. Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues off the pitch, lack of game time… The list of excuses could be endless, but I would not and can not change what's happened.
"I'm going to look at positives over the past five years. I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world and won some more silverware. Football is a fantastic sport, but this, for both parties, was a business move gone wrong. It's as black and white as that."
Conor Gallagher (contract set to expire 2025)
Thanks to his loan with Crystal Palace, the midfielder worked his way into the England squad and now seems set to fight for a place in Chelsea's first team. football.london understands that the 22-year-old was assured that he would be an important player for the Blues in a meeting with Thomas Tuchel, but Gallagher has been coy over his future and has not completely ruled out another loan.
When asked about another temporary move, Gallagher said: "I don't know to be honest with you, the loans have been brilliant, and every team has been a brilliant experience. To me, all the new players, the staff and managers have helped me progress and develop as a player - I've loved it. But like I said, I'm not sure."
The academy product could very well be in the Chelsea first-team, however.
Billy Gilmour (contract set to expire 2023)
The Scotland international may have thrived in international colours over the last 12 months but had a difficult spell at Norwich under Daniel Farke and Dean Smith. With just a year remaining on his deal, it will be a pivotal summer for Gilmour, whose long term future could be decided.
Loans to Everton and Rangers have already been touted, but it's not unthinkable that the 20-year-old could impress in pre-season, having played under Tuchel before.
Armando Broja (contract set to expire 2026)
After an impressive start to his Southampton career, it seemed that Broja would have no shortage of suitors looking to tempt the striker away from Chelsea, with the likes of Arsenal considering a move. The Albania international netted nine times across 38 appearances but struggled to find as much success in the latter months of the Premier League season, however.
Another player who will have a chance to impress Tuchel in pre-season, but another loan move for the youngster may be best for his progression. Nottingham Forest are already said to be interested following their promotion.
Michy Batshuayi (contract set to expire 2023)
Michy Batshuayi agreed to a contract extension ahead of moving on loan to Besiktas in 2021/22. The Belgian forward bagged 14 goals and five assists across 41 appearances for the Turkish side and earned a place in Belgium's squad for fixtures against Netherlands, Poland and Wales.
Ideally, Chelsea would be able to find a move for the 28-year-old, who will hope to play first-team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup. If not, a repeat situation of a contract extension and a loan could be on the cards in the hope of receiving a fee further down the line.
Mason Burstow (contract set to expire 2025)
The 18-year-old only made a move to the Blues in January but returned to Charlton for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. At the culmination of the Addicks season in League One, Burstow was soon playing his part for Chelsea's under-23s as they staved off relegation from Premier League 2.
The Blues may prefer to see how Burstow progresses under their youth coaches at the start of the season, but given the striker has shown the ability to play at a senior level already, a loan may be considered if a compelling offer comes.
Bryan Fiabema (contract set to expire 2023)
The Norwegian 19-year-old started the season with Chelsea's development side before making a move to Rosenborg. Fiabema netted eight times in 20 appearances before making the move to Norway, where he has struggled for playing time. However, it is still early in the Eliteserien season, and his loan continues.
