Given the size of the squad Enzo Maresca inherited when taking over at Chelsea, it was clear that many were going to have to look elsewhere for their opportunities at minutes.
Multiple first team stars made an impression on the Blues whilst away from the club. Andrey Santos has earned a spot in the first team after a tremendous campaign at Strasbourg.
His teammate last season, Djordje Petrovic also impressed, however his future is currently up in the air after being left out of the Club World Cup squad. Petrovic hinted he didn’t want to return to Chelsea when the last campaign came to an end.
Plenty of youngsters had their chance to impress elsewhere too. Caleb Wiley moved to Watford for the season, while Zak Sturge was up against him in the Championship with Millwall.
Millwall want to sign Zak Sturge from Chelsea
Despite only joining the London club in February, the full-back made an impression on his temporary employers.
Millwall fans wanted Sturge to join permanently straight after making his debut for the Lions, and now they could be about to get their wish.
According to BBC Sport, the two London clubs are in advanced talks to turn the loan deal into a permanent transfer.
The report goes on to say that the Blues are hopeful that they can turn a lot of the temporary switches from this season into permanent deals.
John Terry a big fan of Zak Sturge
Chelsea beat Tottenham to Sturge back in 2023, however he never got the opportunity to make his mark on the first team squad.
This is despite Sturge being called up to first team training on occasion, particularly when the club were hit with a major injury crisis.
The youngster was left to make the majority of his appearances for the youth sides, where Sturge made an impression on club legend John Terry.
However, it looks as if things are not going to work out at Stamford Bridge, and he is going to have to drop down the divisions in order to make his breakthrough into first team football.
