Reasons for and Against Chelsea Selling Ryan Bertrand

Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand is currently being courted by Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. According to Matt Law at The Telegraph, the Blues are unwilling to accept anything less than £8 million for the 24-year-old, having already rejected £6 million from the Scousers.

When Bertrand joined Chelsea from Gillingham in 2005, he was widely tipped to become England’s next big left-back. However, despite being mentored by Ashley Cole from 2006 onward, he has yet to live up to that hype.

Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea was supposed to revive Bertrand’s career, but he instead found himself frozen out by the arrival of Cesar Azpilicueta. That a right-back playing out of position could push him further down the pecking order speaks volumes as to Bertrand’s place in the squad.

After spending the second half of last season on loan, it seems best for Bertrand that he leaves Stamford Bridge permanently. However, there are a few things that cast doubt on the sense of any deal from the club's perspective.

First and foremost, Bertrand was one of five designated homegrown players in the Chelsea squad for the 2013-14 Premier League. Although Cesc Fabregas has added to this number, losing a homegrown player has a long-term impact on the Blues’ squad size.

The Premier League rule insists on at least eight homegrown players for each 25-man squad, with numbers restricted if this quota is not met.

Last season, even with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole in the squad, Chelsea were forced to name just 23 players for the Premier League because of a shortfall in homegrown players.

There is also the important fact that Bertrand is still relatively young.

He has shown flashes of potential and played his best game for the Blues in the Champions League final in Munich, albeit in a more advanced left-midfield position. His low wages and ability to slot into any position on the left make him a useful squad player, although his chances at Chelsea will be severely limited.

It is clear that from Bertrand’s perspective, his career would be better served elsewhere.

Whether Liverpool or Tottenham is the right destination for Bertrand is unclear, but it makes sense for Chelsea to sell him now while there is interest. The funds raised can be channelled into bringing more talented homegrown youngsters through.

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