The start of May means the end of the football season. Mid-way through the month and some are already finished. The academy campaign is over for Chelsea and many others, with play-offs, cup finals, and European closure to follow.
There is so much to digest over this period as the stakes ramp up. Nine months of effort and devotion can come down to a single kick or a refereeing decision.
For Chelsea, their season really will be defined by the next three games. Champions League qualification is up for grabs, as is the Conference League. But what about the flock of players who have been sent out on loan?
Chelsea’s army of unwanted players, academy hopefuls, and future prospects are also coming to the culmination of their year (if it hasn’t ended already). They are in South America, France, Italy, Hampshire, Germany, and Turin, to name a few.
Axel Disasi – Competing with Chelsea for a top five spot at Aston Villa. Out of the Champions League after defeat in the quarter-finals to Paris Saint-Germain last month with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia making a mockery of him at right-back. In-and-out of the team of late after becoming a regular quickly for Unai Emery.
Joao Felix – Disappointing Milan massively with only one goal to show so far. Started his first league game in nearly two months at the weekend but an upturn in form has coincided with him dropping out of the side. Reports saying Milan don’t want to buy him and that Flamengo are exploring a deal ahead of the Club World Cup. It looks unlikely and Chelsea have a massive £45million problem to solve.
Lesley Ugochukwu – Involved for a half as Southampton drew away to Manchester City, aiding Chelsea’s top five push. Playing a lot more since Russell Martin’s December sacking but hard to judge him fully in such a rancid team. Won’t go down as being part of the worst Premier League side ever, though.
Andrey Santos – Still performing as one of the standout young midfielders in Europe. Captaining Strasbourg on loan and shining. Their Champions League hopes were dealt a blow last weekend but it’s all to play for on the final day.
Raheem Sterling – Hardly playing for Arsenal and has even been behind left-back Kieran Tierney in Mikel Arteta’s attacking choices of late. Nothing to play for but second spot anymore with a deal that just has not worked.
Ben Chilwell – Looking a lot happier at Crystal Palace and will be at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final on Saturday in a bid to avenge past failures there with Chelsea. Very much a back-up option for Oliver Glasner, though.
Djordje Petrovic – Leading Strasbourg towards European football. Could still qualify for the Champions League and has been one of the best goalkeepers in France. His numbers are amazing and Chelsea will assess him over the summer.
Carney Chukwuemeka – Continuing to make bright cameos, but has still only started one league game and has played less than 20 Bundesliga minutes in the last three matches. Dortmund aren’t likely to trigger his £40million release clause on this evidence.
Armando Broja – Back from injury but hasn’t played in the last three league games. Yet to find the net this season and needs a fresh start away from Chelsea in the summer.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Bournemouth’s clear No.1 and has had a good season. Still fighting for potential entry into Europe next season and could return to the south coast on a permanent deal if the money is right. Chelsea could do with him stopping Manchester City next week.
Renato Veiga – Plays every week and completes every game for Juventus at centre-back. Will have suitors this summer with Chelsea expected to consider all offers. Borussia Dortmund have again been linked. Juve will remain an option.
Deivid Washington – Mainly coming off the bench for Santos after a delayed start to his season. A poor start for the team has seen their only win after eight league games come when Washington was left on the bench. Yet to score since his return.
Caleb Wiley – Back to fitness after a tough 18 months or so. Ended the season playing for Watford and getting plenty of minutes but only started in one win out of eight in a tough run to finish.
Bashir Humphreys – Secured promotion back to the Premier League but didn’t win the league with Burnley despite conceding 16 goals in 46 matches. Humphreys was a mainstay for Scott Parker and will join them for next season after an obligation-to-buy worth around £14millon.
Alfie Gilchrist – Finally back in the Sheffield United squad but still rarely playing after injury and added loan reinforcements in January saw him drop down the pecking order. Will be part of the team that heads to Wembley Stadium for the play-off final next week.
Mike Penders – Maintaining his position as Genk’s No.1 goalkeeper in a full senior season. Set to finish in the European places and has a penchant for penalty saves.
