A disputed reputation for excellent youth development, set against little opportunity for progression to the first team, has brought Chelsea into scrutiny once again this season.
Bayern Munich's recent chase of Callum Hudson-Odoi, attempting to bring him to Germany for £35m, further highlighted the culture at Stamford Bridge.
Despite proving his talent in the Europa League and FA Cup, Hudson-Odoi has not been given a single Premier League start, drawing criticism directed at the club’s vast quantity of youth products that do not see first team football.
Many of the academy players have ended up on loan. Chelsea have by far the most loanees in English football, with 41 spread across Europe and even further afield – enough players that Maurizio Sarri could construct three more entire squads.
And he may need them after it was announced that Fifa have hit the club with a transfer embargo until summer 2020, for breaching statutes regarding the signing of minors.
Here are the Chelsea loanees and their chances of breaking into the first-team squad:
