Chelsea have spent deadline day struggling to find a new home for Armando Broja. But it is issues in their own attack that will shine fresh light on the next phase of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign.
The Blues were humbled 4-1 by Liverpool on Wednesday night at Anfield and are stuck halfway down the Premier League table.
There are concerns about whether there could be a fallout from the lack of progress on and off the field this month, as Pochettino was hopeful a new striker would come in during this window.
There is a longer-term plan to sign an elite striker like Victor Osimhen, but ahead of the final days of this window, Pochettino felt there was a possibility of a new short-term forward coming in to help them have a shot at qualifying for Europe.
Chelsea’s stance on how much faith they have in Broja became clear on Thursday morning, when the terms of signing him switched from a £35 million obligation to buy to a straight loan deal for the rest of the season.
Fulham, Wolves, and West Ham are among the clubs that were offered the player on such a deal and have been weighing up the potential.
But it is clear that Broja would not be a regular starter even if he stayed at Chelsea, and unless the club pull off a shock late signing, Pochettino heads into February wondering how he takes this set of players to the next level.
Christopher Nkunku looks to have real verve about him, but Nicolas Jackson is inconsistent, Raheem Sterling cannot find regular form, and–apart from Cole Palmer–it has been difficult to find players to trust.
Pochettino is not under immediate threat at Chelsea, but the disappointment of this season combined with the frustrations of this transfer window and the long-term build of the team to suit his style are becoming a problem.
The Carabao Cup final is also looming, and the outcome of the league match at Anfield is an ominous sign as the sides prepare to meet again at Wembley.
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