Chelsea are to reward their captain, Gary Cahill, for six years of fine service with a loan in January to secure more regular first-team football in a move which will effectively bring the curtain down on his career at Stamford Bridge.
The former England centre-half is out of contract next summer and will depart on a free, with Chelsea, who normally insist their players sign new deals before sanctioning a loan in order to protect their value, making an exception for the 32-year-old. That is a reflection of his achievements since joining from Bolton for £7mn in January 2012. Cahill, capped 61 times, has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a Champions League and a Europa League over a glittering career at the club.
However, he has found himself out of favour under Maurizio Sarri and, having played only 21 minutes in the Premier League this term, was not included among the substitutes for Sunday’s draw against Everton. He had made clear his frustration in September when asked if he could leave mid-season. “I don’t want to jump the gun but, as things stand, probably yes,” he said at the time. “Sometimes you have to make tough decisions. As it is, I’m not enjoying things.”
Sarri has praised Cahill’s influence in the dressing room, and retained him as first-team captain for all that Cesar Azpilicueta has effectively become the on-field captain. Yet Chelsea are increasingly conscious that Andreas Christensen and Ethan Ampadu, young players who have also found themselves on the fringes, are growing frustrated at a lack of game time. By permitting Cahill his mid-season move, that pair may be appeased as they shift slightly up the pecking order.
Southampton, West Ham and Fulham, now under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri, may seek to keep Cahill in the Premier League, while his first club, Aston Villa, where John Terry, a former central defensive partner, is assistant manager, could offer an opportunity to excel in the Championship. It remains to be seen whether there will be interest from abroad.
Meanwhile, a report also claimed Manchester United are preparing to move for Cahill. According to the Daily Express, Cahill has been told by Chelsea that they will not stand in his way if they receive an offer which suits all parties in the January transfer window. The report also claims that Jose Mourinho is ready to make a move to bring the centre-back to Manchester United. Cahill won the Premier League title under Mourinho at Chelsea, while the United manager has been keen to strengthen his options in central defence since the summer.
Chelsea defender Gary Cahill (centre) in action during the UEFA Europa League group match against FC BATE Borisov in Minsk last Thursday. (AFP)
