How are Chelsea’s out on loan players getting on? | OneFootball

Chelsea have a number of players out on loan this season, with several players needing to head elsewhere for game time given the size of Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Though the days when Chelsea possessed a small army of loan players plying their trade around Europe are gone, the Blues still have plenty of talent on their books that are performing away from Stamford Bridge this season. Here is how they are getting on:

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Nicolas Jackson is certainly the most high-profile name on Chelsea’s loan list. The Senegalese international demonstrated real potential during his two years at Stamford Bridge but the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap spelled the end for Jackson. As such, a huge £14m fee was agreed with Bayern Munich for a season-long loan deal.

The transfer was not completed without drama though, as Chelsea attempted to revoke the deal following an injury to Delap, before eventually going through. The Blues have already been well compensated for the season and the Germans would reportedly be obligated to sign Jackson permanently for £56m should he pass a certain number of appearances. However, that figure is believed to be 40 starts, a threshold which the striker is unlikely to reach.

Playing understudy to a Harry Kane in blistering form has left opportunities somewhat hard to come by for Jackson in Bavaria. So far, the attacker has made 12 appearances in all competitions but just five of those have been starts. He has recorded three goals and one assist, but it seems unlikely that Bayern will make his move permanent. With his contract not expiring until 2033, Chelsea may have to find another solution for Jackson next summer.

Kendry Paez

Kendry Paez playing for Strasbourg (Photo by FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea have already waited for two years since agreeing a deal to sign Kendry Paez, and it will be some time longer before the 18-year-old is seen in action at Stamford Bridge. Since making his debut for Independiente del Valle at the age of 15, the prospect has been incredibly high-rated. Chelsea secured his signature in a £17m deal and have now sent the attacker to fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg for the season.

Already capped 18 times by Ecuador, Paez’s talent is clear. Although it is expected that it will take some time to adjust to European football. So far in Ligue 1, the youngster has impressed across ten appearances and scored his first goal for the club. The loan move is sure to provide Paez with valuable experience at the top level.

Mamadou Sarr

Mamadou Sarr captaining Strasbourg  (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

Another of Chelsea’s contingent in Strasbourg, Mamadou Sarr is now in his second spell with the club. Signed by Strasbourg ahead of last season, he joined Maresca’s side ahead of the Club World Cup. The defender made his Chelsea debut at the tournament but has since rejoined the French outfit for this season.

Already established in the team, the 20-year-old has already made nine league starts. The young centre-back has even worn the captain’s armband on six occasions in all competitions. Whilst Maresca has lacked defensive options, Sarr has been consistently solid for Strasbourg.

Mike Penders

Mike Penders in goal for Strasbourg  (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Mike Penders is the final Chelsea man spending his season on loan in northeastern France. The Belgian goalkeeper moved to Stamford Bridge from Genk for £17m. The 20-year-old has now been sent to Strasbourg to gain experience.

So far, he has started all but one match in Ligue 1, tallying an impressive five clean sheets. Penders has also played every minute in the UEFA Conference League. Given his tender age, it is unlikely that he will be trusted to take over the number one spot at Stamford Bridge imminently. However, he is certainly developing well.

Aaron Anselmino

Aaron Anselmino playing for Borussia Dortmund (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Aaron Anselmino joined Chelsea from Boca Juniors back in August 2024, before loaned back to the Argentinian side. After returning to Cobham at the start of 2025, the defender eventually made his debut at the Club World Cup. The 20-year-old has now joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the current campaign.

Opportunities have been limited for the centre-back in Germany, who has made just four appearances across all competitions. Still adjusting to European football, Anselmino has demonstrated his quality when he has featured, and his role for Dortmund could grow in the coming months.

David Datro Fofana

David Datro Fofana has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge by Maresca. A late move away was eventually found for him this summer. The Ivorian made a handful of appearances for Chelsea three seasons ago but it has since become clear that his future lies elsewhere. The striker has now joined Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk on loan for the season.

So far, the 22-year-old has netted four goals from four starts in the Turkish Super Lig. Chelsea will hope that his good form continues and they are able to recoup the £10m they invested in him.