Chelsea have reached an agreement with Sunderland to recall Spanish striker, Marc Guiu, just 26 days after he joined the Black Cats on loan, to help solve their growing striker crisis following Liam Delap’s hamstring injury.
West London club bring back striker amid fears Delap could be sidelined for longer than expected.
Marc Guiu scored one goal in three appearances for Sunderland before being recalled by Chelsea. His brief stint at Sunderland gave him valuable Premier League experience, and Chelsea will look to fast-track the 19-year-old into their first-team plans.
Delap’s Injury Called for Urgent Marc Guiu Return
Delap suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, forcing the club to seek immediate attacking reinforcements.
The injury was severe enough that the Premier League granted Chelsea special permission to send Delap straight to the hospital for scans.
Head coach, Enzo Maresca initially predicted Delap would be sidelined for six to eight weeks, but reports have it that further scans scheduled over the next 48 hours could rule him out for an even longer spell.
Chelsea now face a busy schedule, with six fixtures between the next two international breaks, leaving them dangerously short of attacking options.
Marc Guiu Returns After Successful Loan Negotiation
Guiu joined Sunderland earlier this summer on a season-long loan and made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Huddersfield Town. The striker also made two Premier League appearances, both as a substitute.
The 19-year-old forward, who signed for Chelsea from Barcelona last summer in a £5m move, was expected to spend the season gaining top-flight experience in Sunderland’s first campaign back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
However, Chelsea moved quickly to recall him in response to Delap’s injury.
“There was no recall clause in the clubs’ loan agreement, so the Blues had to negotiate his return to Stamford Bridge.”
“Chelsea were successful in doing so and Guiu is heading back to London,” The Mirror reported.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will no longer have Guiu available as his side prepares to bring in a replacement striker before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Chelsea’s Transfer Domino Effect
Delap’s injury has already had a domino effect on Chelsea’s transfer plans.
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Nicolas Jackson’s loan to Bayern Munich blocked: Chelsea had agreed a season-long loan deal worth £13m for Jackson, allowing him to fly to Munich for a medical. But following Delap’s injury, the move was put on hold.
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Jackson, however, does not want to return to Stamford Bridge and has remained in Germany while considering other offers, with Newcastle United interested in a permanent deal.
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Chelsea are now exploring permanent striker signings before the window closes, though sources indicate there are no realistic loan options available.
Sunderland’s Response
Sunderland have wasted no time lining up reinforcements after losing Guiu.
The newly-promoted side has agreed a deal for Ajax striker Bryan Brobbey worth £17.3m plus £4.3m in add-ons, and they are also set to sign RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida on a season-long loan with an option to buy next summer.
Sunderland have started their first Premier League campaign strongly, sitting sixth in the table with two wins from their opening three matches.
Chelsea’s Striker Puzzle: What’s Next?
Chelsea’s attack has been in flux since January when both Jackson and Guiu were injured during a match against West Ham hours before the transfer window closed, leaving the club short of attacking options.
Delap’s £30m arrival in July was seen as a solution, but his setback has forced the club to react swiftly.
With Jackson unsettled, Guiu recalled, and no short-term signings available, Chelsea are considering permanent attacking additions before Monday’s 7 p.m. transfer deadline.
