Since Filipe Luis’ departure from Stamford Bridge in July, Chelsea have spent the last few weeks chasing a new full-back to challenge Cesar Azpilicueta and increase squad depth. It appears that after recent speculation linking the club to a host of different players, that Chelsea have finally settled on Abdul Rahman Baba. He’s more commonly known as Baba Rahman, and it’s no surprise that the Augsburg full-back has caught the eye of Jose Mourinho, amongst other managers in Europe.
The 21-year-old left-back began playing football in his homeland of Ghana and started his career at Ghanaian Premier League side Asante Kotoko in 2011. Rahman impressed from a young age, and after one season where he made just 25 appearances, at the age of 17, he was voted runner-up in the leagues ‘Discovery of the Year’ award in 2012.
Soon after, it became clear that a team of Asante’s stature could not hold on to the talent of Rahman. Interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs followed, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Parma all rumoured to be battling for his signature. However, it was the Bundesliga that Rahman eventually opted for. He joined newly promoted Greuther Furth in June 2012, reasoning that he felt the club offered him the best conditions in which to develop his career. The full-back spent two seasons with Furth and scored two goals in his final game for the club during their derby with FC Nuremberg. A day later, he moved to Augsburg for a fee of under £2 million.
Rahman played 31 times for the club, impressing in most appearances. The defender now has a number of options, including a move to Stamford Bridge, if he wishes to further advance his career.
A player of Rahman’s potential could suit Chelsea well. Known for being a flying full-back, Rahman is not phased by having the ball at his feet, and is at his best while driving forward, looking to swing balls into the box. The 4 assists he registered last season proved just that. Defensively he is just as impressive, and although he stands at just 5 ft 10, the Ghanaian is not afraid to throw himself into tackles. He averaged 3.5 tackles a game in the Bundesliga during the last campaign, according to Whoscored.com.
With Cesar Azpilicueta establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders, it’s likely that Rahman would be challenging for a spot on the bench at Chelsea. However, the youngster would provide Mourinho with a different, more attacking option in comparison to the naturally right-sided full-back he has in Azpilicueta.
It appears that a deal to sign Rahman is close, and Augsburg have already found his replacement in Philipp Max, suggesting they are ready to sell. Although game time at Stamford Bridge will be limited for Rahman, Mourinho would potentially allow the left-back a run out in a number of cup matches, and should Azpilicueta pick up an injury or suspension, he can expect at least a handful of games for the blues this season.
