Chelsea defender Baba Rahman closing in on PAOK move after injury-hit Blues spell | OneFootball

The 29-year-old is in advanced talks to join PAOK on a free transfer.

Rahman joined Chelsea for £22million from Augsburg in 2015 but has made just 23 appearances for the Blues and has repeatedly been sent out on loan to PAOK, Reading, Mallorca, Reims and Schalke.

Chelsea could earn money if Baba is successful at PAOK, with payments due if the Greeks qualify for any European competition.

Chelsea are keen this summer to cut ties with any players without first-team prospects.

The Blues have typically had up to 40 players out on loan in the past but new FIFA rules limit clubs to just seven loanees per season, with some exemptions depending on age and nationality.

That has led Chelsea prioritising loans for player development, rather than to recoup lost transfer fees.

Tiemoue Bakayoko was released at the end of June and now Rahman is free to complete his move this week, with the final details of his exit now being discussed.