Chelsea recall Patrick Bamford from loan spell at Burnley

Chelsea have exercised the option of recalling striker Patrick Bamford from his year-long loan spell at Burnley. After Nathan Aké, this is the second player whom Chelsea have recalled to strengthen the push for the Premiership title in the second half of the season.

Bamford has been one of the numerous young talents perennially on loan outside Stamford Bridge. The Burnley move was his sixth such loan spell. Bamford has disappointed by and large in this spell, playing a grand total of only 33 minutes across six games in the Premiership.

The 23 year old was at the peak of his form in the 2014-15 season with Middlesbrough in the Championship, having scored 19 goals in the season. His 2015-16 season also faltered, with two goalless spells at Crystal Palace and Norwich.

With Chelsea scooting ahead of their rivals in the race for the Premier League title, Bamford is not expected to have significant game time. Antonio Conte, the Chelsea manager, might use him for FA Cup games against lesser teams in a bid to keep his first eleven fresh.

Also with the Diego Costa situation reaching an impasse, Chelsea find themselves woefully short of attacking cover, and Bamford can fill in if there is a shortage of attackers. It’s pretty much up to Bamford to make the most of his potential with the Blues, and only he can help himself realise his dreams of top-flight football from here.