How Trevoh Chalobah turned his career inside out in just two weeks

Just two weeks ago, Trevoh Chalobah was suggested to take a loan from Chelsea. Since then, the home grown has made an impressive comeback.

Thomas Tuchel had two completely different conversations with Chelsea’s newest star Trevoh Chalobah in the last 14 days. Two weeks ago, Tuchel informed the 22-year-old that although he was satisfied with his performance in preparation, he could not guarantee him a regular playing time in West London.

It was then agreed that Chalobah’s agent would be able to get loan bids, as Chelsea is not ready to let the home-grown man go permanently. French champions Lille reacted disappointed, but Tuchel had made it clear that Chalobah should gain more experience at other clubs before playing a bigger role at Chelsea next year.

Valencia and Bruges wanted to borrow Chalobah

Among others, FC Valencia and the Belgian first division club FC Bruges, which Chalobah was able to impress with his performances at Lorient in Ligue 1, were interested in a loan. However, Chelsea wanted the perfect deal.

This should include the guarantee that Chalobah would play in defense and not in midfield as in France. In addition, the Chelsea officials wanted the youngster to extend his contract before the possible loan, because his current working paper with the Blues expires in 2023.

With all that was going on in the background, Chalobah could have been forgiven for allowing himself to be distracted. Instead, however, he worked hard and made sure that Tuchel found a second conversation with him earlier in the week, in which he informed the center-back that he wasn’t going anywhere this summer.

Thomas Tuchel: “We really want to keep Trevoh”

With outstanding performances in the UEFA Super Cup success against Villarreal and in the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Chalobah Tuchel and the Chelsea fans showed that he is ready to establish himself in the first team.

“I think he played fantastic preparation for us and is a very good player. And more importantly, he has an excellent character,” said Tuchel at a press conference on Friday, adding: “He has both feet on the ground and took his chance very impressively. “

In addition, the team manager praised Chalobah’s performance in his first two season outings. It is therefore only logical “that he stays with us and looks for his chance here. We let some players go, but Trevoh is the one we really want to keep.”

Chalobah: “I fell on my knees and cried”

Tuchel’s U-turn is likely the trigger that Chalobah has entered into talks about a contract extension with the Blues. It is also likely to have a major impact on the transfer activities of the Blues in the final days of the transition period.

Chelsea recently made an offer for defender Jules Kounde to Sevilla FC, which the Andalusians turned down despite a possible swap deal with Kurt Zouma. Sevilla insist on their transfer demand of 94 million euros. While that amount is not unaffordable for Chelsea, the Blues could still refrain from signing the French thanks to Chalobah’s upswing.

Chalobah has shown self-confidence and maturity in his two appearances so far this season and also showed the skills in defense that already distinguished him in the youth academy. How far he has developed became clearest when he took a heart against Crystal Palace from 25 meters and the ball struck the net.

“I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know what to do,” he said after the game: “I just fell on my knees and cried, really. It was an incredible moment for me and my family.”

Lukaku has a special relationship with Chalobah’s brother

This family also includes older brother Nathaniel, who was highly regarded at Chelsea but failed to make his way in the first team before being sold to Watford in 2017.

“I spoke to Nate after his brother scored a goal. I got emotional, man. It touched me,” said Romelu Lukaku on his return to Stamford Bridge Chelsea TV. The Belgian has a special bond with Chalobah’s brother.

Lukaku stated: “Nate really made me welcome when I first came in 2011. He really took the time to show me London. When his brother scored a goal it was too much.”