Greatness and goals aplenty were expected for Chelsea academy product Armando Broja after a successful loan spell at Southampton in 2021-22, though injuries and an unexpected increase in creative competition has seen the 22-year-old Albanian’s stock fall at a time where the Blues’ asking price for a series of other interested Premier League clubs has remained firm.
Cottagers not cooling on Broja interest
Having already had one offer rejected by Chelsea per TEAMtalk, their west London rivals Fulham are prepared to make another one before the transfer window closes on Thursday – a loan deal with an obligation to sign Armando Broja permanently this summer, after their original £25m buy clause was deemed insufficient.
The Blues have been quoted as wanting as much as £50m for an academy graduate whose stock has fallen considerably after sustaining a torn cruciate ligament injury.
Since returning to full fitness last September – then missing another month with a knee complaint – infrequent appearances meant many critics forgot about him, instead focusing on other targets across the continent and usually younger too.
Broja’s existing contract runs until the summer of 2028, though just like their divisive midfielder Conor Gallagher, the club are entertaining offers and will likely sell to the highest bidder as they consider the profit-and-sustainability rules that threaten to hamstring their lavish spending in recent windows.
West Ham were frontrunners for Broja’s signature two years ago, while Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolves have all been credited with an interest in the Albania international as many clubs circle to find themselves a reliable goalscoring presence.
He’s scored two goals and created two more in 19 appearances across all competitions this term, but only played 674 minutes from those games – an average of 35 – at precisely the wrong time given his need for continuity and timely patience to rebuild his confidence after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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