Kovacic’s aims are another blow to Chelsea’s youngsters
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has every right to be frustrated with his Chelsea situation, after an impressive summer at the World Cup.
Recent reports have suggested that the midfielder could push for a move abroad if he does not see himself as part of Maurizio Sarri’s plans.
Going into the new season, everything looked set for Loftus-Cheek to finally break into the Chelsea side and make a mark at Stamford Bridge.
However, the arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid has thrown some spanners in the works.
Chelsea couldn’t simply turn down the opportunity to sign a player of his quality at such little cost, especially when Real Madrid offer him as part of the deal to sign Thibaut Courtois, but his arrival does put another block in the road for Loftus-Cheek.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea want the England international to stay at the club and fight for his place, but at this stage in his career, he needs to be playing regularly, it is just a case of where and when that happens.
Loftus-Cheek has to be realistic and put his personal development first. He will have been well aware that Kovacic himself dropped a huge hint about where his future lies.
Speaking after an impressive debut off the bench against Arsenal, Kovacic spoke of his delight to have joined Chelsea and hinted at a future transfer.
It was important for me after three years without continuity of play in Madrid, to find a team and coach that want me, and that happened in Chelsea. The club who wanted me and the coach that believes in me. That is what I need.
While Chelsea do not hold an official option to buy the player at the end of his loan deal, you can imagine the Blues will be at the top of the list if he has a fruitful spell in London.
Even after just one game for Chelsea, it was a huge hint that the Croatian could see his long-term future being in London, under Maurizio Sarri, a coach he is clearly going to enjoy working under.
Loftus-Cheek has found himself at a crossroads in his career at such a young age and he now has a crucial decision to make. Does he back himself to make an impact at Chelsea, or move on for regular game time?