Broja given surprising transfer advice as Ornstein drops loan update over Chelsea star

Robin Bairner

• 1 Feb 2024 09:25 GMT
• 2 min read

Chelsea have put Armando Broja on the loan market on Transfer Deadline Day, according to David Ornstein, with the Blues hoping to recoup a loan fee of around €6 million (£5m) for the striker.

It has been a difficult few months for Broja. He has had to overcome a serious knee problem yet since beating that problem, rediscovering his best form has been an issue. The Albania international boast just two Chelsea goals this season.

Nicolas Jackson’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations seemed to open the door for him to shine, yet during Wednesday’s 4-1 capitulation at Liverpool, manager Mauricio Pochettino elected to start Cole Palmer as a false 9. When changes were made, Christopher Nkunku came on and scored a very nice consolation.

Although Ornstein reports that Chelsea are open to retaining Broja, it is clear he is tumbling down the pecking order.

Broja is linked with a loan to Fulham or Wolves until the end of the season, but data analytics experts SciSports suggest that the 22-year-old is better suited to more renowned clubs.

Broja’s ideal club

SciSports give Liverpool a top Club Fit score for Broja of 88. This is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to development, playing time, playing style and formation.

The Reds come out comfortably on top, with Barcelona ranked second on 83. The Catalans are looking at alternatives to Robert Lewandowski in attack currently.

Real Betis (82) and Manchester City (81) also score well.

Chelsea, meanwhile, also notch a score of 81, yet their major weak point for Broja is the lack of development opportunities they are seen to offer him.

Wolves and Fulham both have very respectable scores of 78, suggesting that they could be good options on a temporary basis for Broja. While Wolves offer him more playing time, Fulham’s development is thought to be stronger, with a formation that also suits the forward better.