Chelsea have always had roughly the same policy when it comes to young players. They’re often developed away from the club on loan with smaller outfits – and if they don’t make the grade upon their return, they’re out of the door.
In this piece, we’ll take a look at all of Chelsea’s players who are currently out on loan and assess how they’re getting on.
Additionally, we’ll also evaluate whether they could have a role to play in the Blues’ first team at some point in the future.
David Datro Fofana
Fatih Karagumruk are on an abysmal run in the Turkish Super Lig at the moment, having picking up just four points from their opening ten games of the season – but it isn’t for lack of trying from David Datro Fofana.
He has scored 3 goals in 5 games thus far for the Istanbul-based outfit – with form like that, he could certainly begin to turn Enzo Maresca’s head.
Caleb Wiley
Caleb Wiley is an American international player who plays at left back or left wing-back for Championship side Watford on loan from the Blues this season.
He returned to Watford on loan and has featured in five games so far in the Championship this term. By all accounts, he has been very solid for Hornets manager Javi Gracia.
Aaron Anselmino
Aaron Anselmino is currently at Borussia Dortmund, one of the more presitigious clubs to be the recipient of a Chelsea loanee this season.
He has had a mixed spell at Dortmund, initially impressing fans with his defensive work, but was recently yanked at half time after picking up a yellow card in the in the second round of DFB-Pokal. Nevertheless, his performances have been largely strong – especially for a 20 year old.
Kendry Paez
Kendry Paez is one of three Chelsea players who are currently out on loan at RC Strasbourg. This has been a controversial move, as they are owned by BlueCo – Todd Boehly’s investment company that also owns Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Paez has proven to be a useful squad player for Strasbourg, scoring one goal in nine Ligue 1 games. It’s important to remember that Paez is only 18 – his best years are still well ahead of him.
Mike Penders
A top prospect between the sticks, Mike Penders is also on loan at Strasbourg at the moment, having featured in nine of their ten Ligue 1 games thus far.
Given the uncertain goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge, with Robert Sanchez’s form going through peaks and valleys, Penders might get a chance in the senior team sooner rather than later. Watch this space.
Mamadou Sarr
When Thiago Silva left Chelsea in 2024, a gap opened up in their backline. In true Chelsea fashion, they sought to fill it with young players from abroad – Mamadou Sarr was one of Silva’s potential successors.
Currently, Sarr is on loan at Strasbourg, having played in eight of their league games so far in the 2024/25 campaign. He is a regular of their first team, alongside Penders and Paez.
Nicolas Jackson
The transfer of Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich was an almost Shakespearian saga. After an almighty back and forth that was excacerbated by injuries, the Bavarians finally got their man.
Jackson’s time at Chelsea was, to put it lightly, a mixed bag. He scored 24 goals in 65 league games for the Blues, but he was often criticised for his profligacy in front of goal. At Bayern, he has yet to score in the Bundesliga, but has found the back of the net twice in the Champions League.