Charly Musonda was such a valuable signing to Celtic that the Bhoys tried to bring him to Parkhead twice.
In the summer of 2017, he nearly joined the Hoops on loan before his parent club decided to keep him at the club instead.
He became part of Chelsea’s Premier League squad and played nine times in all competitions for the Blues that term. In the process, he picked up an assist in Europe and also in the top-flight.
Though, after a lack of first-team opportunities Celtic ultimately got their man in January 2018.
After penning temporary terms, Musonda said: “I feel really good. Massive club, really looking forward to it. I’m very lucky to be here and I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be unreal to play at Celtic Park. Hopefully I can do well for the team.”
Unfortunately, despite Brendan Rodgers’ desire to see him thrive, it was an unsuccessful stint in Glasgow for the Belgian.
Upon signing for an initial 18 months, the former Celtic boss cited Musonda’s “wonderful ability.”
Rodgers added: “I’ve known him for a few years. A big thank you must go to Chelsea. He’s a shining light in their academy.”
Musonda would eventually play just eight times for the Bhoys, being recalled in May after Chelsea lost their patience. He failed to score during his time in Scotland and it was unsurprising they recalled him; he wasn’t even in the squad during the end of his stay.
Since he departed Paradise, his career has fallen off the wagon in one of the worst ways possible.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-edouard-desmond" title= "Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!"]
The attacking midfielder headed to Vitesse in the Netherlands but after making four appearances early in the 2018/19 season on loan, he’s not been seen on the field of play since.
Musonda has been through his very own version of hell and he’s not in the clear yet either. He picked a cruciate ligament injury in his knee and hasn’t played for the best part of 19 months.
Speaking in December he said: “It’s been four years since I played back to back professional games, three years since I last played for my club, two of those last four years, I’ve been injured with the post cruciate ligament of my knee.”
The midfielder continued: “Doctors told me going through surgery after being out for so long would be the end, an impossible mountain to climb, were the exact words. This is my story and how I keep training and staying ready, despite the odds, one day I’ll be back.”
Now 24, Musonda has returned to light training with Chelsea and has hired his own personal fitness and conditioning strength. He is still yet to appear for the Blues since resuming light ball work in what has been a nightmare two years.
Is the end in sight for the midfielder? Time will tell. Described as a “big talent” by Rodgers, the £42k-per-week earner once had the world at his feet.
Another prodigy off the Chelsea production line, his lack of opportunities has been through complete misfortune, rather than some of the other reasons academy graduates have been handed throughout the years.
Just as his career was beginning to take off, it was effectively ripped away from him. Musonda undoubtedly deserves a second chance.