It's a position Chelsea have been in before – twice in the last three years, in fact. A talented young defender has enhanced their reputation with a stellar season on loan in the Championship. Now there is debate as to what the next step should be. Stay or go, perhaps even permanently. What's the best option?
There is no right or wrong answer to that question, at least not from the player's perspective. In 2019 – after the appointment of Frank Lampard – Reece James backed himself to build on a fine campaign with Wigan Athletic and push himself into the Chelsea side. It has certainly paid off with the 22-year-old now considered one of the world's best in his position.
Last summer, though, came a different story. Marc Guehi returned to Chelsea for pre-season after an 18-month spell at Swansea City, in which he proved himself one of the finest young defenders in English football. But within days, he was gone after an £18million permanent transfer to Crystal Palace was completed. Guehi is now a regular in the England squad.
