The 31-year-old could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge with a decision on his future likely to be made within the next 10 days, though a return to Bastia has been ruled out

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien could leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, according to his agent.

Fabian Piveteau, who represents the former Ghana international, has revealed that a number of "major European clubs" have been notified of Essien’s potential availability – with his freedom to play in the Champions League a key attraction â€“ and is keen for any deal to be finalised swiftly.

"[Essien] could leave Chelsea this winter," Piveteau told French radio station RMC. "Several major European clubs playing in the Champions League were informed and the situation should settle down within the next 10 days.

"You should know that Michael was not on the list of players who can play in the Champions League with Chelsea, so he is free to play in the competition with another club."

Piveteau also responded to reports that Essien could be set for a return to Ligue 1 with Bastia, the club at which he began his career, saying that only France’s top clubs could afford to sign the 31-year-old.

"A come-back at Bastia? We must stop with this," he continued. "Michael plays at Chelsea, a big club. In Ligue 1 he could play only at Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon ... But Bastia, FC Sochaux – without disrespect, no. For them to support the salary of a Chelsea player, it is already impossible."

Essien has found himself peripheral to first-team affairs this season despite his close relationship with returning manager Jose Mourinho, with the midfielder having only started two league games so far.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2013/12/30/4511045/essien-could-leave-chelsea-in-january-agent?ICID=OP

 

No big loss tbh, a fraction of the player he once was and despite being a decent squad player for Real last season I've seen nothing to warrant him taking up a place in our squad this season.

Id rather he got one last contract playing in turkey then spend the next few months turning out poor performances for us.

I agree. We've got some great young midfielders who we should be giving a chance to: Loftus- Cheek (who was brilliant in the end-of-season game in NY against Man C), Baker, Josh Mac, Ake (who is more of a CB but did well as a DM last season), not to mention Chalobah. I'd like to see any of them picked before Essien.

Great servant for the club and he will always be welcome back,saying this he is not good as he was before.He can still make it big in some good French club and i wish him all the best if he does go.

I would put my money on him going to Turkey. They seem to be paying big wages at the mo.

Best of luck to him, may be harsh but he's a good one to get off the wage bill.

The sooner he's leaves the better. It's horrible seeing one of our best players in recent years, playing so poorly.

 

Would rather remember him for his powerful performances 5 years ago. 

Love the man but his performances against Southampton and Sunderland were pretty woeful.

 

Would rather see someone like Chalobah get games ahead of him these days, or MvG/Romeu once they return.

Edited January 1, 201412 yr by Jonty

I thought Ess played ok in his cameo, what exactly did he do wring in 8.5 minutes?

I doubt we will be selling him in January unless we have a replacement ready to come in. With Lamps injury, this leaves us really short in a midfield that hasn't looked it's best all year. Luiz might be used as a quick fix, but like we've seen of him last year, he is not a consistent performer in midfield.

Good luck to him, surprised he even made it back this year.

I doubt we will be selling him in January unless we have a replacement ready to come in. With Lamps injury, this leaves us really short in a midfield that hasn't looked it's best all year. Luiz might be used as a quick fix, but like we've seen of him last year, he is not a consistent performer in midfield.

With MvG injured, I could see us allowing Essien to leave IF we are able to sign up both Guarin and Matic.