Since Salah went the other way in Juan Cuadrado’s move from Fiorentina to Chelsea, Cuadrado’s performances would rightly make Salah feel aggrieved. Salah largely looked below the par at Chelsea, yet he made a far greater impression during his brief stay in Italy.

At 23, the Egyptian winger has plenty of developing to do and is by no means a lost cause for Chelsea. Registering six goals in 10 league starts whilst in Florence, Salah seemed to take to the Italian game far more than he ever did while at Stamford Bridge. His defendants will suggest this is because he never had the game time he deserved at Chelsea, whilst critics will say he never took any opportunity he was gifted at the Bridge.

His lack of guile and subtlety damaged his chances at Chelsea, although, with age on his side, the winger could prove to be a good investment if any club opts to take him on a permanent deal.

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Recently, Salah has been subject to an ‘insane’ offer from Fiorentina and links have continued to several Premier League sides including Newcastle and Tottenham. It may well be best for Salah’s career to cut his ties with Chelsea and look to develop his game elsewhere. Tottenham, looking for a more consistent input from wide areas, could make good use from the Egyptian whilst Newcastle are in dire need of the additionally quality and top level experience.

After impressing at Basel, Salah was snatched from the grasp of Tottenham when he moved to West London. His goal scoring record at international level deserves recognition and for the benefit of his career, he must look for a permanent move away as soon as possible.

However, Chelsea are unlikely to sell if Mourinho feels he can make use of Salah as a squad player. In the light of Cuadrado’s abysmal start to his Chelsea career, Salah’s cover for his position must be in the minds of those at Chelsea. His electric pace is at least a good option for the bench and his availability could allow Chelsea to utilise Willian in his strongest position more often, as a 10.

Salah offers runs behind the defence unlike Willian or Hazard and is far more direct than any other option the Blues currently have behind the striker. The loss of Schurrle has left them extremely short of depth and, unless Boga is to step up, Salah’s presence could be of much worth to Chelsea. Admittedly, he failed to impress during his time at Stamford Bridge, but another chance may be in order if Chelsea are worried about injuries to their first-choice attacking triumvirate.

Chelsea could make use of him as a counter-attacking threat, or to push for better performances from the current players in the squad, but Chelsea must have a sense of realism in what they ask of the Egypt international. His game is not set up to function in against low block defences and if being asked to do much more than run onto a Cesc Fabregas through ball, he is regularly going to lose possession.

Salah’s presence in the Chelsea squad for next season is likely to be as a result of failed targets. If Antoine Griezmann cannot be lured to West London, then Salah may have another chance.

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