Malang Sarr recently became what seemed like Chelsea's 1,268th signing of the summer window (can you believe he was actually just their fourth for the first team!?) with the former Nice defender joining on a free transfer.
The Blues have actually been planning for the present and the future with their signings so far. While the likes of Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell will immediately strengthen the first team, the west London club have also made two shrewd defensive signings for the long-term in Sarr and Xavier Mbuyamba.
Welcome to Chelsea, Malang Sarr! ✍️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 27, 2020
However, Chelsea have confirmed that Sarr will head out on loan for the 2020/21 season in order to gain more experience. It's a decision that has confused a number of fans, especially considering the...well, fairly shambolic defensive displays on show in 2019/20.
Nonetheless, Sarr's loan spell away will be crucial for his development. Here, we rank his loan options for 2020/21 based on what would be best for him...
6. West Ham
It's been a frustrating transfer window for David Moyes so far.
Moyes only has limited funds available to him due to the financial implications of the coronavirus, while some of the club's top earners have also been told they are free to leave in order to raise money.
Simply put, West Ham will have to sell in order to buy this summer.
It's no secret that Moyes is after defensive reinforcements, and the Hammers were interested in Sarr when he was a free agent.
While it wouldn't be a permanent signing, the France Under-21 international represents a very good deal at a very difficult time financially for the club. For the Hammers, it's all about smart business this summer - and the loan signing of Sarr would be exactly that.
The problem is that Chelsea may not view West Ham's current project as the right place for Sarr to continue his development after their...well, slightly turbulent 2019/20 season and current troubles.
Sorry, Moyesy.
Suitability Rating: 6/10
5. Sheffield United
During the 2019/20 season, Sarr was deployed in a number of different positions. While predominantly a centre-back, he was equally assured in his work when operating as a left-back and a left-sided centre-back in a back three.
Should Chelsea wish to keep Sarr in the Premier League, Sheffield United - who were keen to sign him as a free agent - could be a reasonable option. Chris Wilder is said to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements to provide competition for the first-choice defensive trio, with a number of targets already mentioned.
Sarr could thrive in Wilder's system, especially as a left-sided centre-back, carrying the ball upfield and spreading play with long cross-field passes.
This is exactly what the 21-year-old specialises in.
The only problem, however, is that he may struggle to hold down a starting spot, a major issue not just for Sarr himself, but also for Chelsea.
Should he receive the necessary game time, a move to the Blades could be an excellent decision for all parties involved.
But it's unlikely he will.
Suitability Rating: 6/10
4. Borussia Mönchengladbach
Monchengladbach pushed hard to sign Sarr last summer, but they couldn't agree a fee.
At the time, it was claimed the former Nice defender wanted to make the switch to the Bundesliga. In fact, Sarr has spoken very highly of Germany's top division, specifically alluding to the opportunities young players have received in Germany.
Now with Chelsea, the Premier League outfit are keen for him to be given the platform he needs to take the next step in his career. Sarr's style of play would ensure he fits in well at Gladbach, while he would also receive a fair amount of game time.
He would also join up with former teammate Alassane Pléa, who would help him settle in at the club.
Gladbach could help Sarr make the step up, but unfortunately for the German outfit, there are more suitable options.
Suitability Rating: 7/10
3. Torino
Torino were leading the race for Sarr at one stage.
The Serie A outfit previously submitted a contract offer to the defender, but this proved unsuccessful once Europe's top clubs entered the race. With the club aware of the need for additions at the back, they have already acquired the services of Ricardo Rodriguez.
But a centre-back still remains on their wish list. While Sarr has shown a lack of concentration on occasion, a move to a club like Torino could help him iron out these issues. As a natural leader, he would be expected to marshal the back three, remaining vigilant and sniffing out danger throughout a contest.
The Italian league could be just the place for Sarr to rectify his current weaknesses, with Torino a sensible option.
Suitability Rating: 7.5/10
2. Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen. But it has been suggested the Blues could offer Sarr on loan to sweeten the deal.
At first glance, it appears as though the west London club are simply throwing the Frenchman into the move in order to get the Havertz deal over the line.
But in reality, it actually makes quite a lot of sense.
The Blues are said to be keen for Sarr to play his football in the Bundesliga in 2020/21, and Leverkusen could be the perfect club - not simply because of their pursuit of Havertz.
Leverkusen are on the lookout for a new central defender, with Monaco's Benoit Badiashile on the club's radar. However, Monaco will only part ways with their man unless their mega asking price is met.
Sure, once Havertz is officially sold, Leverkusen will have money to bring in defensive reinforcements. But Sarr represents an excellent short-term option at a very low cost.
Quick, a tough tackler and a wide range of passing, Sarr has all the attributes Peter Bosz is after. He would likely feature regularly for a competitive team in the Bundesliga, making it an appealing move to the defender as well.
Maybe it is a Havertz sweetener, but it would be a beneficial move nonetheless.
Suitability Rating: 8.5/10
1. Fulham
Well, it just makes sense, doesn't it?
Fulham were pushing hard to sign Sarr when he was a free agent, with Scott Parker desperately searching for defensive reinforcements. However, they missed out to their London rivals.
But rivalries aside, this is a move that would benefit all parties. Sarr would be given regular game time in the Premier League for a team who play a possession-based game - which suits his style.
Not only that, still only young, moving to a new country can be somewhat daunting and the prospect of moving again for the 2020/21 season may be overwhelming. However, a loan to Fulham would provide him with the chance to settle in to life near west London.
The importance of this cannot be understated.
This chance to familiarise himself with his new surroundings will benefit his parent club for the following season as well. Should he move abroad for 2020/21, Sarr wouldn't have this chance.
Sure, Sarr rejected Fulham to sign for Chelsea, but that shouldn't stop them from looking to strike a deal with the Blues regarding a loan move. As for Chelsea, they should take the opportunity to keep Sarr close by and give him the chance to play regular Premier League football.
What are both clubs waiting for?
Suitability Rating: 9/10
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Source : 90min