Turkish teams have a famous penchant for signing veterans from other leagues, and they may have just found a very clever market niche by closing their transfer window later than everyone else.
So many teams are left with spare parts after the musical chairs of the window ends. Turkey then get the chance to take some of those guys on loan or for cheap, and Chelsea and their “bomb squad” of unwanted players are perfect potential targets.
The fact that Jose Mourinho has taken over at Fenerbahce gives the whole thing a little extra fizz too – rumours seem that bit more credible, and bigger names than might otherwise be possible are linked.
Among those reported in the last 24 hours is Ben Chilwell. He’s very much frozen out at Chelsea, training apart and left out of the squad from the moment the USA tour was over. Rudy Galetti reported for TeamTalk that Fener are interested in the left back.
Chilwell among those facing a stark choice
Not long ago, it would have been impossible to see a player of Chilwell’s age and quality go to Turkey. HE was in the Champions League squad of the season just 3 years ago. But if the options are rot in Chelsea’s reserves or go and play for Mourinho, it might just tempt him. Chelsea don’t mind where he goes, they just want him off the books. They may well be happy even with a loan to push the issue down the line.
The only thing that’s in nobody’s interest is Chilwell sitting around not playing – but that’s not to say that won’t end up happening.
Galetti says that a new round of talks will happen this weekend, with Chilwell keen to stay in the Premier League but potentially seeing the writing on the wall and feeling the pressure of Chelsea’s tough stance. He’s not the only player making similar decisions right now.
