Chelsea Transfer News: Zakaria Bakkali Is Perfect Low Risk, High Reward Target

PSV Eindhoven's Zakaria Bakkali has reportedly turned down a new contract and is expected to leave the Netherlands in January, and he would be a perfect candidate for a minimal investment from Chelsea that could pay huge dividends.

As reported by the Daily Express' Anthony Chapman, the young Belgian has just 12 months left on his current deal and is keen on a move to a bigger club. PSV's sporting director Marcel Brands voiced his displeasure with Bakkali's decision:

"

Of course it's bad for the club.

But I think it's actually worse for the player himself. It is a shame that a young player with talent does not choose the right path.

People might think I am naive but I don't blame the guy or his father.

The problem is that Zakaria is getting influenced by everything and everyone around him.

"

The 18-year-old became an overnight sensation at the start of the 2013-14 season with a number of sensational displays, which included a hat-trick against NEC that made him the youngest player to achieve that feat in Eredivisie history.

He was subsequently called up to the Belgian national team, and virtually every top team around Europe was at least linked with a transfer for the winger.

Lee Jin-man/Associated Press

An untimely injury brought Bakkali back down to Earth, and as PSV's season started to turn into a nightmare, the Belgian started receiving less and less playing time. His performances took a nosedive as well, and by the end of the season, Bakkali only made the headlines for a perceived attitude problem.

As shared by Belgian football expert John Chapman, the club hasn't helped the situation, either:

PSV's frustration over the situation is understandable, and interested clubs will look at the events and question Bakkali's intentions and attitude. Then again, he's 18. The wildly talented forward is still a child—sometimes, he'll act like a child.

His quickness and lateral movement are phenomenal, as is his eye for goal. Like so many of the best young wingers in the world, he plays with confidence, almost arrogance.

He has all of the physical tools to develop into the next great Belgian winger, joining the likes of Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens. Whether he's mentally fit to achieve success remains a question mark.

This is where the Blues come in. Bakkali will be a free agent in less than 12 months—he'll hardly demand a big transfer fee. Chelsea already have a host of talented youngsters out on loan, and the Belgian international would be a prime candidate to join that group.

Like compatriot Divock Origi, who moved to Liverpool during the summer, a loan move to the French Ligue 1 could do wonders for Bakkali. The French game is built around scoring wingers, and the league traditionally produces numerous talents that cross the Channel to play in the Premier League every season.

If Bakkali continues his development and matures as a person, the Blues could receive a potentially world-class player after one or two years of seasoning abroad. If the concerns regarding his attitude remain, they'll likely still find a club willing to pay big money for his talent alone.

Even if his development completely stalls, there will be clubs ready to take him off Chelsea's books given his young age and the potential he once displayed. Financially speaking, a move for Bakkali holds virtually no risk, and the potential rewards are huge.

Chelsea don't need Bakkali. They are stacked at the winger position, and they have plenty of young talent already at their disposal. But if Jose Mourinho is feeling adventurous, a move for Bakkali could pay big dividends down the road, with little to no risk involved.

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