After the signing of Mateo Kovacic last week, Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s future at the Stamford Bridge looks bleak.
Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and even the resurgent Ross Barkley look to be ahead of Loftus-Cheek in the pecking order.
After having a successful season at Crystal Palace last season, why should he settle for being a back-up?
A firm fan-favourite at Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek has played just 33 times despite being at the club for over 10 years.
Glenn Hoddle even compared him to Michael Ballack during his formative years.
A comparison that may have raised expectations too much and hindered his career.
And with Schalke – a club on the rise under manager Domenico Tedesco – reportedly interested in Loftus-Cheek, he could do worse things that moving to Germany.
Tedesco proved last season that he could set up a team of young players to play attacking, winning football.
And it is in this system where Loftus-Cheek could resurrect his career after so much hype as a youngster.
Loftus-Cheek’s powerful style of play would suit the Bundesliga perfectly and could prove a launch-pad for his career.
If Loftus-Cheek wants to develop as a player, he should finally leave the Chelsea nest and showcase his talents on a weekly-basis elsewhere.