Nathan Baxter of Chelsea is one player whose future appears sure to be the subject of considerable conjecture in the coming months as the summer transfer window approaches.
After coming through the youth levels at Stamford Bridge, the goalkeeper is yet to make a senior appearance for Thomas Tuchel’s team. However, the goalkeeper is now on loan at Hull City until the end of the season, where he has impressed and made remarkable progress making 16 appearances for the Championship team in all competitions.
Given Baxter’s potential to be a regular first-choice goalkeeper throughout his time at the MKM Stadium, it appears there will be plenty of interest in the goalkeeper position come the summer. Shota Arveladze, the current Hull manager, said last week that he would like to bring the 23-year-old back to the club for next season, based on his performances this season.
However, it appears that the Tigers will not have complete control over any future pursuit of Baxter, as there appears to be interest from other football clubs in the goalie.
West Bromwich Albion, Hull’s Championship opponents, are also interested in signing Baxter once the transfer market reopens, according to recent rumors.
The Baggies appear to be in desperate need of a goalkeeper this summer, with Sam Johnstone reportedly likely to vacate The Hawthorns for a transfer to the Premier League when his contract expires this season. That might lead to a bidding war for Baxter’s services and special goal-keeping abilities, and given that his Chelsea contract expires in the summer of 2023, it may make sense for the Blues to sell him now, while they are still in a position to earn a fee.
Of course, Chelsea’s ability to sell players will be contingent on the lifting of restrictions imposed on the club as a result of sanctions imposed by exiting owner Roman Abramovich. However, as the search for a new owner for the Stamford Bridge club progresses – with final bids to buy the club now being made – it’s possible that a takeover may be completed in time for Chelsea to sell players before the transfer window closes.
