Transfers of Saturday, 27 June 2015

Source: goal.com

Baba Rahman concerned about Chelsea switch

Abdul Rahman Baba Abdul Rahman Baba

The Ghana international is understood to have misgivings about his potential move to Stamford Bridge

Abdul Rahman Baba is reportedly apprehensive about agreeing to move to Chelsea unless Jose Mourinho can give him assurances about his role and playing time at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to West London over the last few weeks following an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga.

Baba was influential as Augsburg made history with a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga—their highest-ever league position. The Fuggerstadter also secured a place in Europe, and will compete in the Europa League next season.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Black Star will still be with Markus Weinzierl’s side for the 2015-16 season.

His excellent showings—both with Augsburg in the Bundesliga and with Ghana at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations—have prompted interest from some of the giants of the European game.

Juventus and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for the former Greuther Furth man, while English champions Chelsea have been the most heavily linked to his signature.

The Daily Star are just one source to have reported that the Pensioners are lining up a £10 million move for the left-sider, as they hope to add the international to their impressive roster.

However, the Mirror report that the player himself is having major doubts about the move and is desperate for assurances about the role he would play at Stamford Bridge should he move to Chelsea.

Several young players have been signed by Chelsea in recent years only to be sent away on loan, with little opportunity to impress in the first team.

The likes of Victor Moses, Kenneth Omeruo and Mohamed Salah have struggled to assert themselves in the Blues’ starting XI, while Baba’s compatriot Christian Atsu ended a desperate loan spell with Everton having made little progress since moving to England.

The former FC Porto man will spend next year on loan at modest Premier League new boys Swansea City, while Gael Kakuta—once one of the most highly-rated youngsters in French football—left Stamford Bridge permanently this summer, having only made six league appearances in six years.

There is little guarantee that Baba would be able to dislodge Chelsea’s current left-back, Cesar Azpilicueta, and the example of Filipe Luis—the Brazil international who is reportedly seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge only one year after leaving Atletico Madrid—may prove to be a worrying window into Baba’s future.

Even if Chelsea do come calling for the youngster, there are no guarantees that the Cup of Nations starlet will agree to move to the English champions.