Player who left Chelsea in 2015 is now back training at Cobham

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Ryan Bertrand is now back at Chelsea – where he is currently training with the loan development group at Cobham.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano.

So, why is Ryan Bertrand back at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the 34-year-old left Chelsea for Southampton in 2015.

Bertrand joined the Chelsea academy in 2005 and spent a decade at Stamford Bridge – where he amazingly made his European debut in the UEFA Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.

Now – however – the England international finds himself in limbo after his contract with Leicester City expired at the end of last season.

Romano explains that Bertrand is currently training at Chelsea and is “fully fit” as he considers his options – the defender is said to have interest from England, Europe and the Middle East.

In total, the Southwark-born defender made 57 appearances for Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and also the UEFA Europa League to go with that famous victory in Munich.

Ryan Bertrand could help Chelsea

If the experienced left-back fails to find a new club soon, then he could offer some value to Chelsea – but not in a playing role.

Mauricio Pochettino already has Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen to compete in the left-back department, so it would make no sense whatsoever to offer Bertrand a playing contract.

However, the Englishman is a very experienced footballer who obviously started his career at Chelsea, so he could offer some help behind the scenes and guidance to the many young talents at Stamford Bridge.

That is, of course, if Bertrand would want such a role – the fact he is building up his fitness at Cobham suggests he intends to continue playing, and he is still talented enough to do so.

Nevertheless, if no opportunities open up, Pochettino should definitely consider this option.