Jacque Talbot
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Caleb Wiley could make a premature return to Chelsea after a failed stint with Strasbourg, according to reports.
The 19-year-old moved on loan to the Ligue 1 side in the summer but has failed to make an impact. He initially joined the Blues from MLS club Atlanta in the summer but then was moved on loan to Chelsea's sister club.
Wiley has made just six first-team appearances in France, but this is partly because he dislocated his shoulder against OGC Nice in late November. He has not played since, naturally.
READ MORE: What Chelsea fans can expect from Caleb Wiley
Strasbourg have chosen Diego Moreira as their go-to left-back, and now L'Equipe reports that Wiley could be allowed to return to partner club Chelsea in January.
Chelsea signed Wiley over the summer, arriving for a fee in the region of €10 million. He signed a seven-year contract with the West London giants but it was agreed that he would spend his first season in European football on loan at Strasbourg.
At Chelsea he faces competition for the left-back role with Renato Veiga, who was also signed during the summer.
Compared to Veiga, Wiley is a much more traditional left-back and will offer Chelsea something different due to his insatiable drive to get forward and attack.
READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer news
Caleb Wiley
© IMAGO - Caleb Wiley
Wiley arrives with a big reputation
Wiley is already a senior USA international, having earned his first cap in 2023. Indeed, last year, the teenager enjoyed a real breakout campaign in Major League Soccer.
Wiley became a regular starter for Atlanta and impressed massively with the Five Stripes, netting four goals and providing four assists throughout the regular season and playoffs.
The 19-year-old also featured on MLS's 22 under 22 list, ranking the best players aged 22 or younger. Wiley came ninth and firmly established himself as one of the league's most exciting prospects, which why he caught Chelsea's attention.