Chelsea and the loan market have enjoyed a fairytale romance ever since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.
However, with their long-term owner selling up and the Blues barred for player sales and contract renewals for the time being, they could be forced to hand their young stars more playing time during the 2022/23 season.
- Chelsea sale: Talks continue with prospective new owners
- Roman Abramovich sanctions: What it means for Chelsea fans & season ticket holders
- Chelsea transfers: What Roman Abramovich sanctions mean for the club
Who are some of the starlets who could be handed a shot at the big time? Here is a look of all the players that are currently out on loan at Stamford Bridge...
Goalkeepers
1. Nathan Baxter - Hull City
This is Nathan Baxter's seventh loan spell in total. He's previously enjoyed jaunts at clubs as contrasting as Metropolitan Police and Ross County.
2. Sami Tlemcani - Merstham
The 17-year-old Moroccan is currently cutting his teeth in the seventh tier of English football.
3. Jamie Cumming - MK Dons
Jamie Cumming started the 2021/22 season on loan at Gillingham before upgrading to MK Dons in January, where he is currently involved in a tense League One promotion race.
4. Ethan Wady - Hendon
A future USMNT international? Who knows. For now, Ethan Wady is plying his trade for Hendon, who are also in the seventh tier and play on the worst artificial pitch in England.
5. Karlo Ziger - NK Rudar Velenje
Karlo Ziger is currently number one for Slovenian second-tier side NK Rudar Velenje. He plays with someone called Filip Kosic, who is famously not Filip Kostic.
Defenders
6. Ethan Ampadu - Venezia
Still just 21 years old, Venezia are Ethan Ampadu's third loan club. The Welshman will be hoping to help his side avoid Serie A relegation this season.
7. Juan Castillo - Charlton Athletic
After failing to make an impact on loan at Birmingham in the first half of the season, Juan Castillo linked up with Charlton in the division below in January.
8. Jake Clarke-Salter - Coventry City
Still knocking around at Stamford Bridge at the ripe old age of 24, surely Jake Clarke-Salter will depart permanently in summer 2022 – sanctions pending.
9. Emerson Palmieri - Lyon
Chelsea tried their utmost to get Emerson back in January following the news that Ben Chilwell would miss the rest of the season. They weren't successful...
10. Levi Colwill - Huddersfield Town
Levi Colwill has been earning rave reviews for his displays at the John Smith's Stadium this season. He seems one of the most likely to be handed first-team chances in 2022/23.
11. Henry Lawrence - AFC Wimbledon
Henry Lawrence's displays at right-back have not prevented the Dons from being dragged into a relegation scrap this season.
12. Ian Maatsen - Coventry City
Another player who has been praised for his performances over the past few months, Maatsen could fit in perfectly at left wing-back under Thomas Tuchel.
13. Matt Miazga - Alaves
26 years old and still being shafted out on loan? It may be time to move on for Matt Miazga, who has been capped 22 times by the United States.
14. Baba Rahman - Reading
Yes, he is still at Chelsea somehow. Now a ridiculous 27, Baba Rahman hasn't been Reading's worst player this season – although that has not been very hard.
15. Dujon Sterling - Blackpool
Once tipped for big things, Dujon Sterling has seen his progress hampered in recent seasons by a lack of minutes. He's currently living it up by the seaside with Blackpool.
Midfielders
16. Tino Anjorin - Huddersfield Town
Tino Anjorin is highly rated but needs to start getting some regular minutes at Huddersfield.
17. Tiemoue Bakayoko - Milan
One of Chelsea's biggest transfer blunders in recent years, Tiemoue Bakayoko never looked like replicating his Monaco form and is currently on loan at Milan.
18. Conor Gallagher - Crystal Palace
Conor Gallagher is a dead cert to be involved in the Chelsea squad for the 2022/23 season. He has been unplayable at times for Crystal Palace this term, building on an eye-catching 2020/21 campaign with West Brom.
19. Danny Drinkwater - Reading
Another underwhelming signing, Danny Drinkwater's career continues to stagnate at Championship strugglers Reading.
20. Billy Gilmour - Norwich City
Billy Gilmour's stock has dropped considerably since he moved to Norwich City. He just does not seem to suit the Canaries at all.
Forwards
21. Armando Broja - Southampton
All-round frontman Armando Broja will attract plenty of Premier League interest this summer but the Blues may be tempted to keep hold of him, depending on what their ownership situation looks like.
22. Michy Batshuayi - Besiktas
Another one who is shockingly still getting paid a wage by the Blues. Again, Michy Batshuayi must fancy trying his luck elsewhere at this point?
23. Mason Burstow - Charlton Athletic
18-year-old Mason Burstow is having his first taste of proper football at the Valley this season.
24. Bryan Fiabema - Rosenborg
Last but not least we have Bryan Fiabema who is enjoying his ever loan spell at Rosenborg this season.
Source : 90min