Chelsea are not on the lookout to sell mercurial midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer. However, they are keen to loan him out and then probably use him as a full-time player later. The 22-year-old had issued a warning to the London club earlier, suggesting that he would leave if he didn’t receive adequate game time. But the youngster might just be loaned out yet again.
There have been suggestions that Crystal Palace are interested in signing the player for another year. Having already played under Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park, Loftus-Cheek could be tempted to move back there. But Newcastle United are also intent on getting the 22-year-old for a season.
Let us take a look as to why either Crystal Palace or Newcastle United would be an ideal loan destination for the player.
Having already played for the Eagles before, Loftus-Cheek may just want to continue there for another season. Roy Hodgson believed in his potential and provided him with 24 appearances to impress. The 22-year-old didn’t disappoint the manager, as he put in some fine performances on the pitch.
His displays were enough to convince England manager Gareth Southgate to include him for the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
In the Premier League last season, Loftus-Cheek chipped in with 2 goals, 3 assists and 22 key passes for Crystal Palace and those are not bad numbers at all. Furthermore, he has the potential to improve every next time he steps on the pitch. Hence, Palace could benefit from his services for another season.
Newcastle need a midfielder who can be their engine in central areas. Loftus-Cheek has the talent to do exactly that. By keeping the Magpies up in the Premier League with the squad he had, Rafa Benitez has done nothing short of a miracle. But ahead of the new term, he must sign a midfield enforcer like Loftus-Cheek.
With limited money to spend, the Spaniard could profit by signing him on loan. The 22-year-old will help the team with his physicality, pressing abilities and chance creation.
Both Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are perfect loan destinations for the player. The Eagles and the Magpies boast of experienced managers who could work wonders for Loftus-Cheeks’ career. Hence, Chelsea could loan him out to either of these two clubs.
