Andrey Santos 2.0? Chelsea star faces uphill battle after January loan

Cameron Smith

• 12 Feb 2024 10:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Armando Broja faces an uphill battle to ensure his loan move to Fulham is a success following the goal-scoring form of Rodrigo Muniz.

Broja, 22, joined Chelsea’s west London rivals on loan during the January transfer window, despite the Blues’ failure to sign a new centre-forward.

The Albanian was linked with a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge, but he left the club on an initial six-month loan deal instead.

Chelsea agreed an unusual agreement with Fulham regarding Broja, with Marco Silva’s side paying a £4 million loan fee if he starts less than 60% of their games until the end of the season, while they could pay no fee at all if he is given regular starts.

This will ensure Broja either earns Chelsea a decent loan fee or plays regularly to drive up his value ahead of a sale this summer.

However, his first two appearances at Fulham have been as a substitute following Muniz’s newly-found form.

The 22-year-old Brazilian failed to score during his opening 10 Premier League appearances of this season, but has now netted three goals in his past two games, including a brace against Bournemouth on Saturday.

As a result, Broja may find it difficult to force his way into the starting XI at Craven Cottage.

What has Marco Silva said about Armando Broja?

After Fulham’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, Silva spoke to the media about Broja and admitted: “I had a conversation with him [Broja] about the situation. We believe in him. He knows that when you are in the Premier League, there is competition for places.

“He arrived a day before the Burnley game. The striker who played [Muniz] scored an important goal. It doesn’t matter if he is on a contract or if he is on loan.”

Broja must now start in nine of Fulham’s 14 remaining Premier League matches this season or they will be forced to pay the full £4m loan fee to Chelsea.