starlets are called back, Lukaku excels, and the transfer war starts..

Chelsea has a plethora of players on loan, as they frequently do, and as the season approaches its midway point, it’s safe to say that the Blues have seen a range of outcomes.

Twenty-four players have temporarily left the west London team; however, three players—Ted Curd, Zak Sturge, and Andrey Santos—have already rejoined. David Datro Fofana is currently in the midst of his second relocation of the season, and it’s safe to say that things haven’t been easy for everyone.

The Dutchman gave fans hope for a position they’ve struggled with this season—left-back, where Ramy Bensebaini is currently playing for Algeria at the African Cup of Nations and Julian Ryerson has made brief appearances—by impressing both defensively and offensively.

Maatsen will join Borussia Dortmund on loan for the balance of the season after a deal was reached with Chelsea. Maatsen secured a contract extension at the Premier League club until 2026 prior to joining Die Schwarzgelben.

The 21-year-old will give the left-back position much-needed alternatives. This season Julian Ryerson has been solid but is not at the quality for where Dortmund aim to be, while summer signing Ramy Bensebaini is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and his form during his first six months at Dortmund has not been good.

Die Schwarzgelben still have problems at right-back, though, since they still depend on Ryerson and Marius Wolf for that position.Dortmund made their first transfer of the year when they signed Jadon Sancho back to the team on a temporary loan to assist boost their struggling offense.