It was Mauricio Pochettino’s team’s ninth Premier League loss of the year, and it left them 12 points outside of the top four. On Wednesday, they were humiliated 4-1 at Anfield by Liverpool.
Even though Chelsea had an uphill battle in the second half, 22-year-old striker Armando Broja was not utilised as a replacement on the night.
Wolves made one loan bid to the Albanian international in January, but Chelsea turned it down because they preferred to sell the striker or approve a loan with a purchase obligation.
But on deadline day, Chelsea reportedly softened their position and agreed to a straight loan move—as long as there was a big payment and guarantees of playing time. Wolves and Fulham are apparently both interested in the player.
Broja stood on the sidelines and watched as Christopher Nkunku gave the Blues a late lead. The Frenchman’s injury has restricted his league play to just four games this season, but with his comeback and the return of Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson from the Africa Cup of Nations, Broja is no longer needed.
This season, with 19 games across all competitions, Broja has two goals and two assists.
According to The Athletic, Broja may yet wind up remaining at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season or he may leave the team permanently or on a loan with a purchase obligation.
Should the latter occur, the team will review Broja’s circumstances during the summer. The attacker and Chelsea inked a new deal in September 2022 that would last until 2028.
During his loan at Southampton in 2021–2022, the Chelsea youth graduate made an impression, tallying six goals in 32 Premier League appearances.
