Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi has spoken out on an impending loan move to Crystal Palace as rife speculation continues over his future at Stamford Bridge.
According to reports by the Daily Mail that were later corroborated by numerous other sources, London rivals Crystal Palace are set to take the 26-year-old on a season-long loan spell.
The striker will first sign a 12-month contract extension in order to prevent the Belgian leaving on a free transfer at the end of the 2020/21 season, as Chelsea look to recoup as much of the £33m they paid Marseille in 2016.
After scoring twice for Belgium against Iceland, he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF via Sky [Transfer Centre, 09/09/2020, 9:35 am]:
Am I going to re-sign at Chelsea to be loaned to Crystal Palace? You’re on the right track when you say that. It’s something like that.
The experienced international, who scored two impressive goals in a 5-1 win over Iceland on Tuesday, has fallen down behind Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner in Frank Lampard’s pecking order.
In Batshuayi’s own words, his desire to play regular football has spurred on a mutually beneficial move to Selhurst Park. Coincidentally, Premier League rules on loan players will see Palace pull the plug on a move for Chelsea dynamo Connor Gallagher, who had a medical with the Eagles before heading out on international duty.
Batshuayi’s previous loan spell over half a season in 2018/19 will give fans of both Chelsea and Palace cause for excitement – the Belgian international managed six goals in 13 appearances in all competitions whilst in SE25 and endeared himself to the fans, garnering a cult hero status among Palace fans.
As a consequence, a successful season under Roy Hodgson could work for all parties as Chelsea look to inflate his market value and attract suitors.
