Abdul Baba Rahman to Schalke: Latest Loan Details, Reaction and More

Schalke 04 completed the signing of Abdul Baba Rahman from Chelsea on Tuesday on a season-long loan deal.

The transfer was confirmed by Chelsea’s official Twitter feed: 

Rahman made the switch to Stamford Bridge last summer from Augsburg, arriving in London with a big reputation. However, in what was a turbulent season for the Blues, he failed to show his best form and new manager Antonio Conte clearly doesn’t see him as a key member of the first-team squad.

Indeed, the Blues struck a deal with the Bundesliga side last summer that could amount to around £22 million, according to Simeon Gholam and Oliver Todd of MailOnline. However, he made just 23 appearances in his debut term and failed to cement a starting spot with the Blues.

That’s not to say he won’t make his mark in west London eventually, but it’s clear Rahman needs regular football if he’s to progress. Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe is hoping he can rediscover his best:

In the Bundesliga, Rahman was impressive for a defensively robust Augsburg side. On the left flank, he was a strong stopper and a player who impressed in one-on-one battles with tricky opponents. His energy and powerful running made him a major threat going forward, too.

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The man who helped bring the best out of the 22-year-old was Markus Weinzierl. The former Augsburg manager is now in charge at Schalke and will know what’s required for the Ghana international to get back on track.

Chelsea will be hoping that after this loan spell, Rahman can return to the club and prove value for money in the long run. However, Dan Levene of uMAXit Football noted that it’s not looking like a good deal at this juncture:

The potential is there for Rahman to blossom into a fine footballer in the long run. Key to his rise at Augsburg was regular football and crystal-clear trust from his manager.

It’s a departure that leaves the Blues in a tricky position when it comes to their left-back options, though. Cesar Azpilicueta, naturally a right-back, has been stationed there in the last two seasons, although if he was to suffer injury or suspension, it’d leave Chelsea with no senior cover now that Rahman has moved on.