Why Bayern Munich could do worse than ‘being the new Chelsea’

In trying to defend his club’s transfer policy, Bayern Munich technical director Michael Reschke seems to have thrown a metaphorical uppercut at the dealings of Chelsea.

“Sending players out on loan is not part of our philosophy”, he said.

“It’s a decision we make case by case…There’s no policy or clear philosophy behind it like at Chelsea”.

But what is wrong with employing a policy like the one the Blues currently impose?

Not only does it make fantastic business sense – buy a player cheap, loan them out to increase their profile, sell them for a profit.

And in plenty of cases, it can be a boost to the player’s career.

Look at Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, both flourishing at Everton and Wolfsburg following loans away from Stamford Bridge.

So who could be the next player to thrive after a temporary move out of west London?

We look at five Chelsea-owned performers doing well elsewhere this season…

Thorgan Hazard – Borussia Monchengladbach

While his elder brother is tearing up the Premier League, the 21-year-old is certainly holding his own in the Bundesliga.

Although he hasn’t started a huge number of matches, four goals and seven assists from a total game-time totalling just over 11 matches is a decent return.

No wonder Jose Mourinho is reportedly plotting a ‘promotion’ to the Chelsea senior team to link up with his sibling.

Bertrand Traore – Vitesse Arnhem

One of a number of Blues to have been sent to the Dutch club, Traore is in lethal form at the moment.

The Burkina Faso international has scored five goals in his last three games for FC Hollywood aan de Rijn, and looks a real prospect at just 19-years-old.

Patrick Bamford – Middlesbrough

His loan was extended this month to stretch to the end of the current season, with a spell in the Championship looking like doing the world of good for the England U21 international.

Eight goals for ‘Boro in 20 appearances has been key to the good season Aitor Karanka’s side are having, as they continue to press for a place back in the Premier League.

Lucas Piazon – Eintracht Frankfurt

He may have only netted once for the Germans, but what a goal it was.

With his side, level at 1-1 against Hamburg, the former Sao Paolo youngster stepped over the ball from 30 yards out and drilled in a wonderous free-kick, to give his side the three points.

That goal alone will have increased his profile across European football.

Gael Kakuta – Rayo Vallecano

Chelsea’s recruitment policies were scrutinised when Kakuta joined the capital club, with calls of ‘tapping up’ coming from his previous club RC Lens.

But now, out on loan in Spain, the Frenchman is putting all that behind him, turning out some top performances for Rayo Vallecano, chipping in with three goals and four, and helping them to a highly respectable mid-table position.

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