1 day ago
22 ARTICLE AD
Chelsea are reportedly considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace – but fans are divided over the move.
Chalobah has been in fine form for the Eagles this season with manager Oliver Glasner heaping praise on the centre-back and hinting that he would like to sign him permanently.
Given that Enzo Maresca froze the player out of Chelsea’s first-team last summer, with the club putting a £25million price tag on him, that’s a deal that would seem to suit all parties.
However, The Athletic now report that the Blues are weighing up whether to bring the 25-year-old back to Stamford Bridge this January, amid an injury crisis in defence.
Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have picked up long-term injuries, with Maresca handing teenager Josh Acheampong his full debut over the weekend in the 1-1 draw at Palace.
It was thought that there was no break clause in Chalobah’s loan deal but it turns out there is, however Chelsea fans aren’t convinced it would be a good idea to trigger it.
While there is plenty of love and admiration for the academy graduate, supporters are unhappy with the club’s treatment of the defender and are concerned he will struggle for minutes under Maresca.
‘Calling back Chalobah after freezing him is a huge disgrace to board,’ @heli_chito posted on Twitter.
‘It’s not about injuries, it’s cos the two players they chose over him have proven to be worse and I can’t wrap my head around it cos I can’t believe we need Chalobah to salvage our defensive headaches in 2025.’
Blues fan Rob added: ‘If we do recall Trevoh Chalobah, I hope it is to play him and not just to sit on the bench. He has already been treated dreadfully in the summer, despite being the ultimate archetype “perfect squad player”. He has also been in great form for Crystal Palace.’
‘Recalling him mid-season after acting this way is not good from the club. Pretty uncomfortable with this treatment,’ Tom Overend said, while Simon Phillips wrote: ‘Absolutely embarrassing and massively disgraceful from the decision makers.’
Some fans argued that the decision over a recall should be down to Chalobah, with CFCDarren pondering: ‘I do admit I was wrong about Chalobah and him not being good enough for us so I would like to see him back at Chelsea, but would he want to come back after we basically told him he wasn’t good enough?’
‘If he wasn’t part of the plans and has since moved on as intended, it’s only fair to let him continue his career elsewhere,’ supporter Dean mused.
‘They treated him like s**t, like he’s just another asset. He’s well within his rights to tell them where to stick it. The club made it crystal clear they didn’t want him-so the audacity to even think about a recall? Infuriating.’
For some fans however, the recall can’t come soon enough, with @CFC_Muk: ‘Chalobah is as Chels as it gets, was a big part of our good form towards the end of last season and he’d slot in well with [Levi] Colwill. Bring him back.’
Felix Johnston added: ‘I almost respect that they’ve swallowed their pride and done what’s best for the club, hopefully apologising in the process. Let’s just now hope Trev says yes.’
As for Palace themselves, the Eagles remain calm about the situation, with Glasner himself saying he did not fear a recall.
Speaking after the Chelsea draw, the manager said: ‘I could see that there was [Axel] Disasi and Tosin [Adarabioyo] on the bench. I don’t know if you need [more] if you play with two [centre-backs].
‘I was just reading that Anselmino comes back so they have five. I don’t know if they need eight, I don’t know what they are planning. Trevoh is doing very well for us and we are planning with him.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Man Utd offered former Arsenal and Chelsea target in shock swap deal
MORE: John Barnes claims surprise Liverpool star ‘hasn’t improved’ after tough Man Utd display
MORE: Arne Slot doubts returning Liverpool star will be fit for Tottenham Carabao Cup clash
