La Liga Midfielder Will Play For Chelsea Next Season, Mourinho Loves Him

In a bid to occupy the teeming talents being signed by Chelsea every now and then, a majority of them get to be loaned out on their arrival to the Stamford bridge. It is hoped that they will earn first-team experience while away, and if they put up impressive displays, a return to the club is initiated, or a loan extension is given the club, or Chelsea just allows another team to sign them on another season-long loan.

Chelsea has a total of 23 players out on loan this season, some in their first year on loan, while some are spending their 2nd year or more on loan. Amongst the first timer loanees is Croatian midfielder, 20 year-old Mario Pasalic. The one-time capped Croatian international arrived Chelsea last season from his country’s club side, Hajduk Split. Chelsea’s sporting director, Michael Emenalo discovered and signed the prodigy touted as the future Lampard.

But barely 2 weeks after his 3 million pound-move, the player was loaned out to Spanish outfit, Elche. He said of the transfer,

“When I arrived at Chelsea, Mourinho told me that the best thing for me was to play in Spain. In the Primera, I’d have the opportunity of facing big teams like Real Madrid, Atlético or FC Barcelona .”

And like it is with most Chelsea loanees, he did put up impressive performance, and went ahead to solidify himself as a regular member of the squad at Elche. 28 League appearances and 3 goals, Pasalic impressed coach Fran Escribá, and reaffirmed the club’s president, José Sepulcre’s words when he was signed on loan.

“We have signed the future of world football.”

But the middle logged team are seemingly in a difficult financial crisis, and must let go of at least ten players, cut wages down in order to stay financially afloat. Pasalic is one of the 10, hence no loan extension, and his bright spell at the La Liga comes to an end when season finishes. As a matter of fact, Jose Mourinho likes the player and may give him a chance with the team next season.

Serie A outfit, Lazio are reportedly bidding 15 million Euros for his services, but Chelsea aren’t ready to let go of such a potential. Hence, he is headed back to Chelsea for the post and pre-season tours, and will likely get his opportunity to compete for a place in the heart of the special one, or get another loan offer.