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Which Loaned-Out Players Should Chelsea Recall for Next Season?

Kurt Zouma, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi and Jay Dasilva could all feature for Chelsea next season. Composite: Fantasista/Getty Images; LightRocket via Getty Images; MB Media/Getty Images; PA; Getty Images
Kurt Zouma, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi and Jay Dasilva could all feature for Chelsea next season. Composite: Fantasista/Getty Images; LightRocket via Getty Images; MB Media/Getty Images; PA; Getty Images
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Which Loaned-Out Players Should Chelsea Recall for Next Season?

Kurt Zouma, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi and Jay Dasilva could all feature for Chelsea next season. Composite: Fantasista/Getty Images; LightRocket via Getty Images; MB Media/Getty Images; PA; Getty Images
Kurt Zouma, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi and Jay Dasilva could all feature for Chelsea next season. Composite: Fantasista/Getty Images; LightRocket via Getty Images; MB Media/Getty Images; PA; Getty Images

With Chelsea facing a transfer ban this summer, they may need to promote some of the young players they have loaned out over the last few seasons. The club have sent no fewer than 40 players on loan this season. The majority of them will probably never play first-team football at Stamford Bridge, but these 10 players will hope to stay at the club and fight for a place next season.

Ola Aina, Torino

Ola Aina turns 23 in October, so is running out of chances to impress the Chelsea manager. The Nigeria international has played at a high level this season, featuring regularly for a Torino side who are seventh in Serie A and still hope to play in the Europa League next season.

The defender’s versatility is to his advantage. He has operated from both the left and right flank in Walter Mazzarri’s 3-5-2 formation this season, making 28 appearances in the league. He will also take heart from that fact that Chelsea are not inundated with top-class options at full-back. Chance of staying at Chelsea next season: 5/10

Jay Dasilva, Bristol City

A regular at left-back for the England Under-21s, Dasilva has profited from a challenging spell in the Championship, where he has competed with fellow youngster Lloyd Kelly for a starting place at Bristol City. Dasilva has only just turned 21 but, given the difficult season Marcos Alonso has endured, he will have eye on the Spaniard’s spot in the team.

Another loan move looks likely for Dasilva but, if he keeps developing, he will hope to break into the Chelsea squad before long. With three assists for Bristol City this season, he offers a real attacking threat from wide. Chance of staying next season: 2/10

Fikayo Tomori, Derby County

A near ever-present for a team that has qualified for the Championship play-offs – under Chelsea legend Frank Lampard no less – Fikayo Tomori is one youngster Chelsea should not write off. Another regular for the England Under-21s, the centre-back has impressed this season and could come into the manager’s thinking as David Luiz’s contract runs down.

Tomori started all but three of Derby’s league matches this season and will hope to start another three before the end of the campaign. The play-offs will offer another test of his mettle, but the defender has stood up to the task all season, making the most tackles of any centre-back in the Championship (96). Chance of staying next season: 4/10

Reece James, Wigan Athletic

Wigan flirted with relegation this season but James was instrumental in ensuring that Paul Cook’s side ultimately stayed in the Championship. The teenager is primarily a right-back but his shift into central midfield helped spark a run of results that kept Wigan up. The 19-year-old was not struggling at full-back, but he was so good that it made sense to get him more involved in games.

Having started 44 games, scored three goals and picked up three assists, James cleaned up at Wigan’s end-of-season awards, winning the player of the year, players’ player of the year and goal of the season trophies. He should be playing in the Premier League next season – even if not at Chelsea. Chance of staying next season: 5/10

Kurt Zouma, Everton

A Premier League regular for the last two seasons at Stoke and then Everton, Zouma could have a future at the Bridge. He is only 24, Gary Cahill is leaving and David Luiz’s situation is unclear.

Zouma is strong in the air and makes a lot of interceptions but he may not be good enough in possession for Chelsea. Whether or not Maurizio Sarri is in charge next season, the onus is likely to be on playing out from the back so Zouma’s modest pass accuracy is a concern. Chance of staying next season: 6/10

Tiemoue Bakayoko, Milan

Bakayoko’s loan spell at Milan was going well until he lost his place due to behavioural reasons. Milan are now very unlikely to make a move for the Frenchman, but he has at least proven that he has talent.

The 24-year-old didn’t start a Serie A game until the last day of October but he secured a regular place due to some impressive all-action performances. Indeed, Bakayoko has made at least one tackle in all but one of his 23 starts this season and an interception in all but two. Chance of staying next season: 5/10

Mason Mount, Derby County

Mason Mount has not disappointed at Pride Park. The 20-year-old has played an important role in securing a sixth-place finish and a play-off semi-final against Leeds. He has not posted the sort of figures he managed at Vitesse last season, but eight goals and four assists is a decent return from midfield.

His pass accuracy is low at 76.7% but Mount takes the sort of chances that can unlock opposition defences. Derby’s win rate this season has risen by 20% when he has been in the starting line-up. Chance of staying next season: 5/10

Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund

Christian Pulisic is the one guaranteed new face at Stamford Bridge next season after Chelsea signed him from Borussia Dortmund for £58m. Despite becoming Chelsea’s most expensive outfield signing, he has endured a frustrating campaign, perhaps even going backwards under Lucien Favre.

The 20-year-old has made just 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, starting just seven of those game. Pulisic has scored three goals and set up three more, but he will hope to have a bigger impact at his new club next season. Chance of staying next season: 10/10

Tammy Abraham, Aston Villa

Having been named in the Championship team of the year, Abraham will almost certainly be playing top-flight football again next season. His struggles in the Premier League with Swansea will be a concern for Chelsea, but he is a box finisher and he was never given the service he needed.

The 21-year-old striker has scored 25 goals for Aston Villa in the Championship this season – one every 126 minutes – and, with Olivier Giroud looking likely to leave, Abraham will probably stick around. Chance of staying next season: 6/10

Michy Batshuayi, Crystal Palace

After a dismal spell with Valencia at the start of this season, Batshuayi moved to Crystal Palace in January and has proven to some degree that he has what it takes to cut it in the Premier League. Whether that will be with Chelsea remains to be seen, but the Belgian scored his third goal in eight league starts for Palace at the weekend.

The Belgium international will celebrate his 26th birthday in October so is surely reaching last-chance-saloon status at Chelsea. If the club can command a decent fee for the striker, they will probably cash in. However, should the coach – whoever that may be – decide that Abraham is not ready to step up, Batshuayi may be needed. Chance of staying next season: 5/10

The Guardian Sport

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Liverpool Boss Slot Says Isak in 'Final Stages of Rehab'

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 14, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 14, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Liverpool Boss Slot Says Isak in 'Final Stages of Rehab'

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 14, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 14, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said on Thursday he believes striker Alexander Isak is in the "final stages of rehab" and could return by the end of next month to bolster the Reds' push for Champions League qualification.

The British record signing has been sidelined since mid-December when he fractured a bone in his lower leg and needed ankle surgery following a sliding tackle from Tottenham's Micky van de Ven.

His injury came just as 26-year-old Sweden international Isak, who joined Premier League champions Liverpool for £125 million ($169 million) from top-flight rivals Newcastle in September, was finding his form at Anfield with two goals in six matches.

"Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football boots but with his running shoes for the first time this week," Slot told reporters, according to AFP.

"The next step is doing work with the ball, which every player likes most, then the next step is to come into the group and then it takes a while before you're ready to play.

"It will be some time around there, end of March, start of April, where he is hopefully back with the group. That is not to say you are ready to play, let alone start a game.

"But it's nice that rehab goes well; that's a compliment to him and our medical staff.

"I think we all know the moment you go on the pitch it doesn't take three months but these final stages of rehab can also make it change."

Isak is one of five Liverpool first-team players currently sidelined, with only Jeremie Frimpong close to a return.

The right-back has been out since the end of last month with a hamstring injury but is expected to be available for next weekend's visit of West Ham.

Liverpool have had a rare week without a match ahead of Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

"It is nice and useful as the players we are having, nine out of 10 go to the national team so for seven, eight, nine months they hardly have a time off," said Dutch boss Slot, who insisted he had no need of a rest himself.

"It was nice but I did not really need it. Last season I felt I needed it more in this period of time. I am enjoying the work I do here."

Liverpool, after a slow start to their title defense -- are now sixth and within three points of the top four with 12 games to go.

They next play three of the bottom four clubs as they look to get themselves into a Champions League position.

Premier League leaders Arsenal were left just five points clear of second-placed Manchester City after blowing a two-goal lead in a shock 2-2 draw away to rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday.

Slot, however, said: "We didn't need yesterday to know how difficult it is to win a Premier League game. What has made the Premier League nicer this season than three, four, five, six years ago is it's more competitive."

Sports

Familiar Face Returns to Marseille where Habib Beye Takes Charge

(FILES) Rennes' French-Senegalese head coach Habib Beye looks on before the French L1 football match between Le Havre AC (HAC) and Rennes at the Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, Northwestern France, on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)
(FILES) Rennes' French-Senegalese head coach Habib Beye looks on before the French L1 football match between Le Havre AC (HAC) and Rennes at the Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, Northwestern France, on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)
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Familiar Face Returns to Marseille where Habib Beye Takes Charge

(FILES) Rennes' French-Senegalese head coach Habib Beye looks on before the French L1 football match between Le Havre AC (HAC) and Rennes at the Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, Northwestern France, on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)
(FILES) Rennes' French-Senegalese head coach Habib Beye looks on before the French L1 football match between Le Havre AC (HAC) and Rennes at the Oceane Stadium in Le Havre, Northwestern France, on April 13, 2025. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)

Marseille is looking to reignite its season with a new coach on board.

The nine-time French champion appointed Habib Beye to replace Roberto De Zerbi following a bad patch of form that saw the club exit the Champions League and drop 12 points behind Ligue 1 leader Lens.

Beye, a former Senegal international who played for Marseille, will be in charge of Friday's trip to Brest.

After leading Red Star to promotion to Ligue 2, Beye spent the last year and a half as the Rennes coach. The club sacked Beye this month.

Key matchups Marseille has failed to win its past three league games, badly damaging its title hopes. The results including a 5-0 mauling at PSG have left fans fuming. The club hopes Beye, a disciplinarian advocating ball possession and a strong attacking identity, will produce a jolt.

Beye's hiring "refocuses us on the challenges we still need to tackle between now and the end of the season,” The Associated Press quoted Marseille owner Frank McCourt as saying.

Since McCourt bought Marseille in 2016, the former powerhouse has failed to find any form of stability in a succession of coaches and crises. It hasn’t won the league title since 2010.

PSG abandoned the top spot to Lens after losing to Rennes 3-1 last week. Luis Enrique's team bounced back with a 3-2 win at Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League playoff and hosts last-placed Metz on Saturday. Lens welcomes Monaco the same day.

Third-placed Lyon, on a stunning 13-match winning run, plays at Strasbourg on Sunday.
Players to watch With the World Cup in his country looming, former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is hitting form at the right time. The American forward scored twice inside 18 minutes against PSG and has 10 goals and four assists this season.

At PSG, the man in form is Désiré Doué.

After his team quickly fell behind by two goals against Monaco midweek, Doué came to the rescue to turn things around. The France international was relentless and left his mark on the match after coming on as a replacement for Ousmane Dembélé. He first reduced the deficit, played a role in Achraf Hakimi’s equalizer then netted the winner.
Out of action Dembélé is expected to miss PSG's match against Metz because of an injured left calf.

Off the field PSG was sanctioned with the partial closure of the Auteuil stand for two matches and a 10,000 euros ($11,800) fine by the disciplinary committee of the French league following banners displayed and insults directed by supporters during the match against Marseille on Feb. 8. at the Parc des Princes. There were brief discriminatory chants about Marseille at the start of the game and the referee stopped play for about one minute around the 70th.

Sports

Verona Prepares its Ancient Arena for the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday

A view of the Arena ahead of the closing ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Verona, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
A view of the Arena ahead of the closing ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Verona, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
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Verona Prepares its Ancient Arena for the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday

A view of the Arena ahead of the closing ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Verona, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
A view of the Arena ahead of the closing ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Verona, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

A city forever associated with Romeo and Juliet, Verona will host the final act of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday inside the ancient Roman Arena, where some 1,500 athletes will celebrate their feats against a backdrop of Italian music and dance.

Acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle has been rehearsing for the closing ceremony inside the Arena di Verona this week under a veil of secrecy, along with some 350 volunteers, for a spectacle titled “Beauty in Motion," which frames beauty as something inherently dynamic.

“Beauty cannot be fixed in time. This ancient monument is beautiful if it is alive, if it continues to change,” said the ceremony's producer, Alfredo Accatino. “This is what we want to narrate: An Italy that is changing, and also the beauty of movement, the beauty of sport and the beauty of nature."

Other headlining Italian artists include singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gabry Ponte, whose hits could be heard blasting from the Arena during rehearsals this week.

Inside a tent serving as a dressing room, seamstresses put the finishing touches on costumes inspired by the opera world as volunteers prepped for the stage, The Associated Press reported.

“It’s really special to be inside the Arena,” said Matilde Ricchiuto, a student from a local dance school. "Usually, I am there as a spectator and now I get to be a star, I would say. I feel super special.”

The Arena has been a venue for popular entertainment since it was first built in 1 A.D., predating the larger Roman Colosseum by decades. Accatino said the ancient monument will produce some surprises from within its vast tunnels.

“Under the Arena there is a mysterious world that hides everything that has happened. At a certain point, this world will come out," Accatino said, promising “something very beautiful."

The ceremony will open with athletes parading triumphantly through Piazza Bra into the Arena, which once served as a stage for gladiator fights and hunts for exotic beasts.

The closing ceremony stage was inspired by a drop of water, meant to symbolically unite the Olympic mountain venues with the Po River Valley, where Milan and Verona are located, while serving as a reminder that the Winter Games are being reshaped by climate change.

While the opening ceremony was held in Milan, the other host city, Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomite mountains, was considered too small and remote to host the closing ceremony. Verona, in the same Veneto region as Cortina, was chosen for its unique venue and relatively central location, said Maria Laura Iascone, the local organizing committee's head of ceremonies.

“Only Italians can use such monuments to do special events, so this is very unique, very rare," Iascone said of the Arena.

She promised a more intimate evening than the opening ceremony in Milan's San Siro soccer stadium, with about 12,000 people attending the closing compared with more than 60,000 for the opening.

Iascone said about 1,500 of the nearly 3,000 athletes participating in the most spread-out Winter Games in Olympic history are expected to drive a little over an hour from Milan and between two and four hours from the six mountain venues.

The ceremony will close with the Olympic flame being extinguished. A light show will substitute fireworks, which are not allowed in Verona to protect animals from being disturbed.

The Verona Arena will also be the venue for the Paralympic opening ceremony on March 6. For the ceremonies, the ancient Arena has been retrofitted with new wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms along with other safety upgrades. The six Paralympic events will be held in Milan and Cortina until March 15.