The numbers behind Tino Anjorin's loan to Lokomotiv Moscow

02 September 2021 11:35

Chelsea youngster Tino Anjorin has completed his loan move to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow with an option to buy. The Blues will have also hold a buy-back clause if it becomes permanent.

Part of the academy since the age of seven, Anjorin made his first-team debut for Chelsea in the EFL Cup in September 2019 and has made five senior appearances for the club to date.

Now 19, the midfielder’s chances of establishing himself more regularly this season were slim and like so many Chelsea talents he accepted the option of a loan to gain more experience.

He now joins Lokomotiv for the rest of the season, but the numbers involved in the deal are considerable despite playing in so few first-team games in his career so far.

Lokomotiv will have the chance to make the transfer permanent next summer if they are willing to trigger a £17m option. If that is the case, a £34m buy-back clause for Chelsea valued at double the original price also becomes active.

Should Anjorin be sold, it is another example of Chelsea’s ability to command big prices for their fringe players, which funds big transfer spending of their own. This summer alone, the Blues raised the best part of £80m by selling Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi.

Seven other home-grown players have been sold for more minor fees as well.

But the £34m buy-back clause also highlights Chelsea’s faith in Anjorin’s potential to still become a star in the future and keeps them invested in his ongoing development.

Anjorin may not be the only late departure. The English transfer window closed two days ago but the Russian deadline is not until 7 September, allowing clubs to keep making signings.

90min understands that out of favour midfielder Ross Barkley has rejected interest from Turkey, where the window remains open until 8 September. However, there is time for him to be persuaded otherwise if a Russian club shows interest and there could still be more Chelsea outgoings.

Centre-back Malang Sarr is another who could be available, although the Frenchman may benefit from the departure of Kurt Zouma and the failure to land Jules Kounde.


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Source: 90min