Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek has starred for England at the World Cup. The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute for England in match one against Tunisia before starting the team’s second group stage game against Panama. Following Loftus-Cheek’s success at the international level and last season on-loan at Crystal Palace, Chelsea have announced the player will remain at the club in 2018-19.
Chelsea news: England World Cup star Ruben Loftus-Cheek staying at the club
Chelsea are ready to make Loftus-Cheek a part of their future plans. The team will not sell the midfielder as previously believed, rather he will be worked into the Blues’ starting XI.
It is still unknown just how Chelsea will look next term. The club is yet to appoint a new manager or announce Antonio Conte is staying on for a final year. In addition, several players including Eden Hazard have been linked with a move away from London.
Loftus-Cheek gives Chelsea the opportunity to bring in a player fresh off of a strong World Cup to rejuvenate the squad. The midfielder is just 22-years old and offers the club a young attacker to build towards the future.
Could Chelsea still sell Ruben Loftus-Cheek?
It is believed a trio of clubs are interested in signing Loftus-Cheek away from Chelsea. Everton, Southampton, and Crystal Palace are all in the hunt to land the England international. The player could choose to push through a transfer to one of the three teams. However, potential new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri may be very interested in using the player more following his World Cup performances.
Fantasysports.co.uk writer’s take: Ruber Loftus-Cheek and Chelsea
Chelsea have regularly got it wrong with young players. The club has sold talent such as Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic, and others only to regret the decision once the player became successful. In Matic’s case, Chelsea were able to buy him back.
Loftus-Cheek is a good young player to get into the squad now as the Blues will be without Champions League football. He could have plenty of time to shine in the Europa League.
The player showed enough quality at Crystal Palace to earn a return. Whether he stays and plays will be down to the club’s new manager and the future of Hazard, Willian, and others.
Loftus-Cheek’s decision should be simple, stay and fight for a place rather than leaving to play for a club may battle relegation.
Chelsea fans, should the club give Ruben Loftus-Cheek ample playing time this season or sell him now?