There has been a great deal of attention placed on the number of players Chelsea have to get rid off. It is understandable with the Blues being home to too many bodies leading to occasions where they are oversubscribed for a matchday squad.
Mauricio Pochettino is said to prefer to work with a smaller group, while Frank Lampard has cited that the size of the squad and the predicaments it perhaps has left for certain players was his biggest challenge during his time as caretaker manager.
He said in his final press conference: "The squad has been too deep and that's the biggest challenge I've found day to day. Coming in and trying to work with big numbers and players that are maybe a little bit, for whatever reason, disillusioned, for right or wrong, that they're not playing or they might be leaving. Those situations can be sorted out now and they have to be."
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Regardless, the issue is set to get worse before it gets better. While there appears to be progress in the possibility of Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic's departures and influx of players could arrive for Pochettino's first day in charge.
During 2022/23 Chelsea have once again had an army of players on loan and to end the season listed 22 players. Not all will come straight into contention for a spot in the first team and will work with the development squad but there will be a number who require their futures to be resolved.
football.london takes a look at the players who will return from loan this summer and have been involved with the senior team before or are in contention to be next term.
Malang Sarr - The Frenchman, who is currently injured, struggled to sustain a place in Monaco's first team and is set to return to Chelsea with even more competition to beat than when he departed last summer. Proved a useful option under Thomas Tuchel in 2021/22 but another loan may await if the Blues cannot find a more permanent suitor.
Ethan Ampadu - In a common theme Ampadu will return from loan with the possibility to impressed. The Welshman has enjoyed a second season in Serie A and has one final match to play to help ensure Spezia earn survival when they take on Roma. The 22-year-old has proven his versatility in defence and midfield once again with some appealing attributes.
In each of the last two seasons Ampadu's future has only been decided very late in the transfer window. With a single year remaining on his contract it's unlikely player or club will want to wait so long again.
Levi Colwill - The Brighton loanee has been firmly declared not for sale so seems set to find an opportunity to impress Pochettino this summer.
Malo Gusto - The defender spent some time at Cobham earlier this year as he recovered from injury which will hopefully have aided his ability to settle in when he truly makes his move from Lyon. Bought to provide some depth at wing-back, Gusto could be used in rotation with Reece James. Perhaps a lack of Champions League football makes his next step a slightly less simple decision, however.
Bashir Humphreys - The England Under-20s international made his senior debut against Manchester City in the FA Cup in January before heading to Paderborn on loan later in the month. He immediately became a key member of that team having been brought in by sporting director and former Chelsea coach Benjamin Weber. The 20-year-old has a year remaining on his deal which could see another loan deal and extension potentially.
Ian Maatsen - One of Chelsea's most high profile performers while on loan at Burnley where he helped the Clarets claim the Championship title. Has taken a step up with each loan so far leading to plenty of enthusiasm of his potential when contrasted to the season of Marc Cucurella. With Ben Chilwell still a firm starter in the Blues' side a sale remains very possible with no shortage of interested parties likely.
Tino Anjorin - The midfielder endured another difficult season having returned on loan to Huddersfield. A period suffering from glandular fever combined with ankle surgery ensured the 21-year-old struggled for much playing time to develop. Anjorin has been rehabilitating alongside Armando Broja.
Andrey Santos - The Brazilian international is currently at the Under-20 World Cup and will return to Cobham from his loan to Vasco da Gama this summer. His move to the Blues was delayed due to work permit issues which should be resolved in time to join up under Pochettino. Perhaps most likely to spend his time between the first team and development squad to help him adjust.
Romelu Lukaku - While Lukaku seems destined to secure a future away from Chelsea, it's hard to ignore Pochettino doesn't have too many options up front just yet. Inter Milan and Roma are said to be in contention with a transfer inevitable if the west London side can secure an appropriate fee.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - Having drawn no shortage of interest over the past two summers, Hudson-Odoi will have to consider his future once again. The winger was persuaded to only make a temporary departure to Bayer Leverkusen where he has shown flashes of his quality without being able to nail down a consistent starting berth. With Chelsea having signed Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk, Hudson-Odoi's future could lie elsewhere.
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