Reports from Ghana Soccernet has emerged that Everton boss Ronald Koeman is looking to offer a second chance in the Premier League for Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman. At present, the 22-year-old has returned to the Bundesliga on a season-long loan with Schalke 04.
Rahman made most of his name at Augsburg, registering a total of 31 appearances before moving to Stamford Bridge last year yet has seen a drastic cut in playing minutes, only 15 in total. Then managers Jose Mourinho and Guss Hiddink felt that he is struggling to find a way to bridge the space between potential and performance. If it was so, it’s a little unclear what the club envisaged when signing him for a fee close to £21.7 million on a five-year contract.
Till today, Chelsea supporters love to see him in action yet under their new manager Antonio Conte, the Ghanaian is still considered as a work in progress. Moreover, the clamour of an additional left-back is put to bay as summer signing Marcos Alonso has been excelling in the role week in week out. Thus biding for time isn’t actually a smart move anymore.
Back in August, he did mention that why his new boss offloaded him on loan as the Italian is not a fan of his attack-mindedness. Rahman does love to venture forward and whips in dangerous crosses into the box, however, is guilty of losing possession when doing so a couple of times.
“In pre-season, the new coach Antonio Conte told me ‘Baba, you’re a very good player, but we’re not playing in Europe this season and have no Champions League games so you’re not going to play too often.’
“When Schalke’s offer game in, I was convinced that I had to take it.
“Schalke are a great club and the coach is counting on me.
“It couldn’t get any better.”
The Toffees would be happy to have him as an understudy for Leighton Baines for time being, as their star defender is nearing the wrong end of the age and picked up series of injuries lately. Also, Ronald Koeman’s game plan does involve dominance along the flanks as both left and right backs are allowed to take up the role of auxiliary wingers when the situation permits .
Given the gulf in standing between both Premier League clubs, one would be adamant to stay at Chelsea and battle for a spot yet that’s not the case for the promising left-back. Conte’s new 3-4-3 formation has returned the club to winning ways yet have also obstructed ways even for senior players like John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic to stamp their names into the starting XI. Following the footpaths of Romelu Lukaku would be ideal for the Ghanaian and his parent club are willing to listen to offers. He could be another bargain buy for Koeman like Idrissa Gueye.
Not forgetting, Baba Rahman has settled considerably well with his current loan team, featuring in every UEFA Europa League matchups and 10 in the Bundesliga encounters this term. Contented with his contribution so far, Schalke 04 are reportedly keen to make his loan contract a permanent one.
If the youngster feels he has some unsettled business in England’s top flight, the blue half of Merseyside would be the perfect podium to do so.