Even though it is undeniably a good news story, current rumours of a five-year deal for Patrick Bamford will only bring about a Bridge-full of sighs [of relief] when confirmed, and even then the jury will still be out as to whether one good thing will lead to another - plenty of first team appearances. Such is the very nature of this particular beast of a subject, I cannot think of a more important Chelsea chain of events than the linking of a loaned-out Academy player to his eventual long-term contract and thereafter watching him play umpteen games for the club over a number of seasons. Three simple steps, yet after the first and as Suggs might suggest, the others have always been one step beyond for a whole host of highly promising youngsters. Madness? - you bet your rouble-backed benevolence it is! 

 

Indeed, at this early stage in this summer’s transfer speculation, a quick glance at the insanity of it all in the form of a roll call of what we as a club have got out there on loan at the moment wouldn’t go amiss. So, in true strictly-go-loaning-no-particular-order, I give you…

 

Wallace, Traore, van Ginkel, Salah, Swift, Piazon, Omeruo, Pasalic, Perica, Romeu, Feruz, Kakuta, Kalas, Kane, McEachran, Marin, Moses, Chalobah, Davey, Cuevas, Delac, Davila, Rodriguez, Atsu and last, but by no means least, Baker.

 

For numerous reasons, ranging from confirmation of personal opportunity missed right through to affirmation of another’s promise fulfilled and ambition fuelled, these loan stars of the future are all waiting for one lone star [bamford] to become the first to achieve the three-step breakthrough, if only to justify their current billeting in places as far-flung and diverse as Vitesse Arnhem and Milton Keynes. Patrick is, in effect, the torchbearer at the front of an elongated Indian file of loanees, lighting the way with his abundance of goals at Middlesborough, not to mention those at Derby last season, although I just did. Indeed, you might say that he has successfully reached the end of one Championship escape tunnel in the Midlands only to be repatriated and promptly sent out again, this time to the North-East, where he has repeated his escapology feat with even greater bravado.

 

So, taken in isolation, if doing everything that’s been asked of you means a contract reward well-merited and step-two duly completed, who in their right mind could argue that the ‘loan system’ isn’t working for Patrick? However, mine is a military three-step analogy and if the good mood music stops for him at this point, the one remaining [striker] first team place wont be his for the taking, it will ultimately go instead to someone who has always been Cobham-closer and within touching distance throughout. Moreover, should a mad scramble for the last must-have musical chair actually materialise, it will only serve to exacerbate the problem and highlight it, being proof-positive that home really is where the Chelsea heart is, absence not making it grow any fonder. And, if you need further verification of this particular truism, just ask Ruben, Izzy or Nathan after the West Brom game on Monday. 

 

Exactly where a choice between Bamfordinho-in-the-dugout or another dig out leaves us is anyone’s guess, and the player’s own assessment of the situation will obviously be influenced by transfer comings and goings over the next few months. During this period no doubt the powers that be (perhaps even Jose himself) will tell us he needs to sit tight, this is sometimes the way things pan out at a big club fighting for trophies, but shoulder-shrugging will not go down well with many fans who will believe that to be just plain sitting bull. Nor will it placate the Indian filers looking for some sort of smoke signal of hope in the form of the first loaned out player to return to camp fired-up, the grade having been well and truly made. Furthermore, an awful lot rests on this one player and his progression over the next few weeks and months, bearing in mind talk of Harry Kane going to United for £40m and Gareth Bale supposedly on the move again for twice that amount, both being examples of the pressurised ’quality of life’ decisions that the best young footballers are called on to make these days. 

 

The transfer market will be awash with quality forwards this summer, but, with or without a long term contract, we must not encourage Bamford to be one of Jose’s Wall Street crash victims, either now or after more exposure on loan. As it is, the lad has already carried out a couple of miraculous, career-enhancing escapes and the last thing we need now is him contemplating the ultimate one - to freedom. 

 

 

What?

I may have to re-read that but I can't quite see a argument based on football where Bamford benefits from being 3rd choice striker here when a team fighting on 4 fronts needs 2 top strikers.

What he needs right now is minutes at the top level and of Boro get promoted then that is the ideal place for him. If they don't then there are other suitors. But to think he can be second choice at this club in this moment with Costa' hamstrings is a stretch.

Let him get 1500-2000 minutes of premier league football under his belt next season rather than playing mainly under 21 football. Youth development is about momentum. I don't think we should kill his.

You're bigging him up way too much and after seeing him a fair bit over the last two years I'd be very surprised if he made the grade at Chelsea. He's the 9th highest scorer in the Championship and Cameron Jerome has scored more. 

 

There's a huge gap between the two divisions and for a 'young' player he's not that young at 21. In terms of prospects, Solanke appears to have a much better chance of becoming a first team player and he's only 17.

 

Sell Bamford now while he's got a high market value. There' no guarantees that he'll score goals from any Prem club. 

You're bigging him up way too much and after seeing him a fair bit over the last two years I'd be very surprised if he made the grade at Chelsea. He's the 9th highest scorer in the Championship and Cameron Jerome has scored more.

There's a huge gap between the two divisions and for a 'young' player he's not that young at 21. In terms of prospects, Solanke appears to have a much better chance of becoming a first team player and he's only 17.

Sell Bamford now while he's got a high market value. There' no guarantees that he'll score goals from any Prem club.

Selling him now would be stupid, if he has a good season next season in the Premier League then his market value is only going to sky rocket.

Also he may be the 9th highest scorer in the Championship but he was voted Championship player of the season. Simply because others have scored more or have similar stats doesn't mean they are potentially or even as good a player as Pat is.

Edited May 17, 201511 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

Selling him now would be stupid, if he has a good season next season in the Premier League then his market value is only going to sky rocket.

Also he may be the 9th highest scorer in the Championship but he was voted Championship player of the season. Simply because others have scored more or have similar stats doesn't mean they are potentially or even as good a player as Pat is.

 

It wouldn't be stupid, if he doesn't score next year then his value will plummet. You'd get £10m for him now. He wasn't included in the team of the season though. He's a very good championship player but no one knows if he'll do anything in the Prem. 

It wouldn't be stupid, if he doesn't score next year then his value will plummet. You'd get £10m for him now. He wasn't included in the team of the season though. He's a very good championship player but no one knows if he'll do anything in the Prem.

So if no one knows why would you sell him? He's scored goals consistently at every level so selling him now (and £10 million is a ridiculously low price) would make absolutely no sense. There's zero chance of that happening because our club is tremendously well run.

Also if his price is £10 million now then the most it would fall is 50%. That's not a massive risk when you consider what he could potentially be worth and what he's already cost us.

Edited May 17, 201511 yr by Blue Daze

It wouldn't be stupid, if he doesn't score next year then his value will plummet. You'd get £10m for him now. He wasn't included in the team of the season though. He's a very good championship player but no one knows if he'll do anything in the Prem. 

 

That is why it would be stupid to sell him now.

It wouldn't be stupid, if he doesn't score next year then his value will plummet. You'd get £10m for him now. He wasn't included in the team of the season though. He's a very good championship player but no one knows if he'll do anything in the Prem.

It doesn't matter if he want in the team of the year he was voted as the player of the year.

Cashing in on him now is stupid, it's worth a risk to see how good he gets. He may even actually make it here you know. It's worth the risk to see how he develops.

Kane was nothing special in the CHampionship, so should Spurs have sold him before giving him a chance?

If Middlesbrough get promoted, next season they'll probably be near the bottom of the league losing more games than they win. Not exactly ideal conditions for a young striker looking to make a big impression. I'd still have him here as 3rd choice. In four competitions over a 50-60 game season, he'd get chances. Drogba has made 39 appearances, Remy 29 and each had 1000 minutes of game time.

If Middlesbrough get promoted, next season they'll probably be near the bottom of the league losing more games than they win. Not exactly ideal conditions for a young striker looking to make a big impression. I'd still have him here as 3rd choice. In four competitions over a 50-60 game season, he'd get chances. Drogba has made 39 appearances, Remy 29 and each had 1000 minutes of game time.

Both Danny Ings and Charlie Austin had impressive seasons in relegated sides, plus Drog only played so much because Costa and Remy were injured at the same time, something we can't really countenance next year.

Then there's the development of Solanke too. He needs minutes as well in my opinion.

Boro is the ideal place for Bamford.

You're bigging him up way too much and after seeing him a fair bit over the last two years I'd be very surprised if he made the grade at Chelsea. He's the 9th highest scorer in the Championship and Cameron Jerome has scored more. 

 

There's a huge gap between the two divisions and for a 'young' player he's not that young at 21. In terms of prospects, Solanke appears to have a much better chance of becoming a first team player and he's only 17.

 

Sell Bamford now while he's got a high market value. There' no guarantees that he'll score goals from any Prem club. 

 

Don't be ridiculous, selling Bamford is a horrible idea. 

 

Either keep him at Boro next season (if they get promoted) where he can play a lot of premier league football, or bring him back to chelsea as our 3rd choice striker. Ludicrous to think that we should sell him

Both Danny Ings and Charlie Austin had impressive seasons in relegated sides, plus Drog only played so much because Costa and Remy were injured at the same time, something we can't really countenance next year.

Then there's the development of Solanke too. He needs minutes as well in my opinion.

Boro is the ideal place for Bamford.

 

While Chalobah went to Burnley and disappeared without trace. Even in the unlikely scenario of Costa and our #2 striker going injury and suspension free all season, they can't play every match. There's still plenty of room for a third choice striker in a long season across four competitions. What's better for Bamford in the long run, 25 games at Chelsea or 40 at Boro? Stay here and he'll get less playing time, but the trade off is he's actually in our squad with a chance to impress.

 

Can't see Solanke, a rookie with a grand total of 17 minutes experience in senior football, getting many minutes here next season. He's a better candidate to be loaned out.

We have three good young strikers in Bamford, Solanke & Brown and I would like to see one of them make it at Chelsea. With Solanke & brown still only being 17/18, Bamford has the chance to break into the first team sooner. He is actually the same age as Harry Kane so why not try and give him a go now? A lot will depend if we retain Remy next season as back-up to Costa, but I would like to see Bamford as one of the three Strikers next season and getting plenty of minutes. If he took his chances like Kane did this season it would make it hard for Jose to ignore him.

Edited May 17, 201511 yr by Nibs

Bamford has now done his apprenticeship, training alongside world class players can only improve his education now. If he then is good enough he will get his chance.

While Chalobah went to Burnley and disappeared without trace. Even in the unlikely scenario of Costa and our #2 striker going injury and suspension free all season, they can't play every match. There's still plenty of room for a third choice striker in a long season across four competitions. What's better for Bamford in the long run, 25 games at Chelsea or 40 at Boro? Stay here and he'll get less playing time, but the trade off is he's actually in our squad with a chance to impress.

Can't see Solanke, a rookie with a grand total of 17 minutes experience in senior football, getting many minutes here next season. He's a better candidate to be loaned out.

From mourinho's recent comments, there is no way solanke will be loaned out next season. Mourinho said it's better for the players under 19 to stay with the club and train with the first team, so I think bamford back out on loan is infinitely more likely.

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jose-mourinho-would-big-mistake-9116007

While Chalobah went to Burnley and disappeared without trace. Even in the unlikely scenario of Costa and our #2 striker going injury and suspension free all season, they can't play every match. There's still plenty of room for a third choice striker in a long season across four competitions. What's better for Bamford in the long run, 25 games at Chelsea or 40 at Boro? Stay here and he'll get less playing time, but the trade off is he's actually in our squad with a chance to impress.

Can't see Solanke, a rookie with a grand total of 17 minutes experience in senior football, getting many minutes here next season. He's a better candidate to be loaned out.

Burnley was the wrong team for Chalobah whereas Bamford is already part of Boro's team. He'd spend pre-season with them too, unlike Chalobah.

Solanke probably won't be loaned out because he's a much better prospect than Bamford, especially for our style of football.

You don't have to be a genius to read between the lines and know Jose doesn't fancy him, not just for next season, but full stop...not once has he talked about him as player of the future like he has with Loftus-cheek, brown, solanke etc...he's getting a new deal to make sure cfc can make huge profit when they decide to cash in

Agree. I dont think Bamford had any of the qualities we look for in our strikers. To me he is a poacher, no particulartly outstanding qualities, but a knack for scoring goals. Some say he can play on the wing, but I cant see him playing there in the premier league. Doesnt have enough speed or technical ability. His best position is likeley as an inverted winger or second striker and thats not something José uses to any notable degree. Ill be very surprised to see him get a crack at Chelsea. Izzy Brown and Solanke on the other hand have a much better chance

Don't be ridiculous, selling Bamford is a horrible idea. 

 

 

It'd be akin to suggesting something as stupid as selling Ivanovic and playing Kalas. 

What I will say about Bamford is that Jose loves his attitude and character. It's something I've heard more than once and it didn't surprise me.

I personally think he could make a career as a Solksjaer type of player. He'll always score goals but won't perhaps be the main guy. I think down the line there's absolutely a space for that in our squad.

The thing is, you think Bamford will want to be a supersub here? Or do you think he wants to go somewhere he can play regularly? Players like Solskjaer that accepts their role of squad players without moaning is a rarity

The thing is, you think Bamford will want to be a supersub here? Or do you think he wants to go somewhere he can play regularly? Players like Solskjaer that accepts their role of squad players without moaning is a rarity

I don't think he'd accept being third striker at this point, but second striker behind Costa would see him get a lot of minutes and a chance to be the main striker.

But that is ignoring Solanke who I think is a better, more complete striker compared to Bamford at the same point in their careers.

I don't think he'd accept being third striker at this point, but second striker behind Costa would see him get a lot of minutes and a chance to be the main striker.

But that is ignoring Solanke who I think is a better, more complete striker compared to Bamford at the same point in their careers.

 

I would assume Jose needs to make a decision fairly soon (maybe after the coming summer) which of those 2 he thinks is going to have the best chance and be most suited to integrating into the Chelsea squad. 

 

Like he seems to have with RLC, he needs to come out and say "this player is going to be in the squad and pushing for a place". 

Jose has spoken over the weekend…

 

“Maybe he [Ruben Loftus-Cheek] will end up being better than anyone I buy and, if that is the case, he’ll play and the one I buy won’t.” 

 

Also, on the related matter of last week’s £4.5m signing of Nathan de Sousa from Atletico Paranaense:-

 

“Nathan will not be in Chelsea’s squad next year, simple as that. You buy in very good circumstances before the price goes to the moon. You develop the player. He belongs to you, is on loan, and in the right moment you bring him back.”

 

Whilst this may not be the exact inference that Jose had in mind (for media consumption) but I interpret his words to mean that Ruben is an exception to the Academy/Loan/Return [to first team squad] route that is, in effect, the three-step strategy being discussed in this topic. His focus on this occasion, when talking about both players, is on the financial side of things, but it is clear that the club’s loaning out of players is an important step in the overall process and the last but one to be made in the completion of it, unless, of course, you are a player of Loftus-Cheek‘s exceptional ability.

 

And, naturally, I am really pleased to hear those final words ’…and in the right moment you bring him back.’ because we’ve not really seen evidence of this so far and if ever there was a ’right moment’ for Patrick Bamford surely it is after two loan out spells and a bagful of goals. If not, then what else does the lad have to do to get back - when will be the right moment for him, let alone the rest of the loanees? 

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