Report: Chelsea could recall 'excellent' loan player in January after impressive start to the season
Chelsea might be able to reclaim Armando Broja sooner than expected after a fresh piece of information about his contract has been revealed.
According to Goal, the Blues added a break clause to Broja’s deal when he signed for Southampton on loan in the summer.
This means the Albanian could return to Stamford Bridge after the New Year, several months before his spell is set to expire.
Chelsea’s concerns
Based on current predicaments, there might well be a massive tug of war between Thomas Tuchel and Ralph Hasenhuttl for the striker’s services.
The Champions League holders have entered into a crucial stage of the season without their two main attackers.
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both suffered injuries against Malmo last week, with the date of their returns yet to be confirmed.
This leaves Tuchel without a recognised number nine or centre-forward, meaning Kai Havertz becomes the next in line to lead the line.
Havertz has played the last two games up top, but with fixtures coming thick and fast, the young German needs a rest at some point.
Until Lukaku and Werner recover, the Blues are very light in that area of the field and therefore might need reinforcements in January.
Ian McGarry from the Transfer Podcast claimed that Tuchel has asked the Chelsea board to sign him a new striker in the next transfer window.
Pennies could be saved if Broja packs his suitcase and leaves Southampton prematurely.
Southampton anchoring down Broja
However, the Saints will be reluctant to relinquish the 20-year-old so soon.
He has scored in the last two Premier League games, the first of which ensuring Southampton’s first top-flight victory of the campaign.
“Broja was excellent,” said Micah Richards on the Chelsea loanee’s match-winning moment at home to Leeds United.
Tuchel and Hasenhuttl could do with a goal-getter in their respective sides right now.
Yet, only one will be able to call Broja their own come January time.
