Back in January, Chelsea loaned 21-year-old attacking midfielder Charly Musonda to Celtic with the hopes that the player would have the opportunity to enjoy regular first-team action. Considering he’s currently blocked at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were hopeful that a change of scenery could get the talented playmaker some much-needed action.
Unfortunately, Musonda’s spell in Scotland hasn’t gone as Chelsea would have hoped. According to ESPN FC, Chelsea plan to cut Musonda’s loan deal with Celtic short and send him elsewhere on loan next season. The original deal was to span 18 months, but Chelsea will take an axe to it after just half a season.
Now, the Belgian looks like he’s on his way elsewhere next season, but he’s rather unlikely to be featuring for the Blues. Most reputable betting sites list his chances of playing with Chelsea next season around 10-1. If you’re new to betting, those odds aren’t particularly favorable for Musonda’s role with Chelsea next season.
Musonda has struggled to make an impact with Celtic, having made just three starts with another five appearances as a substitute. The Blues are reportedly “unhappy” with the lack of playing time, so they plan to find a new home for him with better opportunity to play.
Chelsea clearly have plans for Musonda, as they signed the player to a fresh contract this past December before loaning him out. The Blues reportedly turned down a number of offers for Musonda before ultimately agreeing to send him to Celtic.
Musonda is currently undergoing treatment for a shoulder injury, and it appears unlikely that he will suit up for Celtic again this term. When asked about the injury, manager Brendan Rodgers said, “Charly hurt his shoulder in the week when he was away. He has gone back to Chelsea to get treatment on that. So, like I say, he may or may not feature between now and the end of the season.”
Musonda made his Chelsea debut in the team’s Community Shield defeat against Arsenal last summer before making his first start for the club in the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest. He scored in the Blues’ 5-1 victory, though the Belgian has failed to find the back of the net during his brief spell in Scotland.
He spent last season on loan in Spain with Real Betis, where he scored a goal in 24 appearances.
It has been a disappointing campaign in all for the defending Premier League champions, though they do still have a shot at landing in the top-four by season’s end. The Blues are well within range of overtaking Liverpool and/or Tottenham if results go their way as the season reaches its conclusion at the weekend.
Celtic, of course, recently clinched their seventh consecutive Scottish Premiership title.
