Saul Niguez last started for Chelsea in early march and did so in consecutive Premier League games against Burnley and Norwich, albeit at wing-back - the position he hoped to avoid when departing Atletico Madrid in the summer. Saul has been limited to 20 appearances in Blues, predominantly as a rotation option or from the bench, and probably not made the impact he hoped.
The Spaniard ensured an eventful transfer deadline day at Stamford Bridge in August, in what seemed in some respects a coup, and others, an unusual player to sign to be your fourth choice player behind Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho. His first start against Aston Villa in the Premier League did little to build on any anticipation surrounding his debut, and the 27-year-old has played dutifully but rarely since.
There has been little to suggest that Chelsea will look to take advantage of the clause in place to make the deal permanent, and with the current ownership situation and sanctions, it would currently be unable to do so anyhow.
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Thomas Tuchel refused to be drawn on where Saul's future lay beyond the end of the season and admitted the midfielder has likely been far from happy with the opportunities he has been afforded in west London. The German coach was quick to praise his impact on the training ground and atmosphere of the team despite his predicament.
Tuchel said: "We will talk about it at the end of the season. At the moment, it is a difficult situation for him personally, but I like that he still gives his input. It is like this in team sports that even if it does not make you happy – and I am sure he is not – he is still positive and still pushing. He takes care about the quality in training with the group that doesn't play so much.
"It means a lot to me and the atmosphere in the dressing room that he stays competitive within the group. I don't have a lot of good news for him when I tell him the starting line-up. He needs to stay involved mentally and physically, that is what he does, although it is not easy.
"We are very grateful, we also demand it, but it tells us he is a real sportsman. For the end of the season, now is not the moment, but we still need to fight for qualification for the Champions League and the best possible outcome. We have a final to play. We will talk when it is time."
The Blues have an option to sign Saul for £30 million come the end of the season, with the move proving enough for Tuchel to allow Ethan Ampadu to head out on loan to Venezia in Serie A. The 27-year-old hoped the move to Stamford Bridge would result in more opportunities in the centre of the pitch after playing as a wing-back for Diego Simeone's side at the start of this term after an underwhelming 2020/21.
After completing his move, Saul said: I could not show what I would like. I had a block in my head that did not allow me to play in another role. Chelsea's option was to leave my comfort zone. It won't be easy to get into that team.
"At Chelsea, I will train in my position. Then we will see if I play. That is the biggest cause of my decision. I want to go to Chelsea, try the experience and then see what happens. I don't want to think further. I want to go, compete and help Chelsea."
The Spanish international was not wrong in his assessment.
