A familiar face returned to Chelsea yesterday with youngster Charlotte Wardlaw’s season-long loan spell at Liverpool having been terminated midway through the campaign.
The reasons behind the decision have been left undisclosed, however, it is clear that Wardlaw struggled to get minutes under her belt at loan club Liverpool in the first half of the season.
What is next for the talented teenager? FAWSL Full-Time assess the potential options for Wardlaw in the second half of the season.
First team involvement at Chelsea
At this stage in her career, it is difficult to see Wardlaw playing a major role at Chelsea but she could become a member of the squad for the second half of the season. Her game time would surely be limited with outings in the domestic cups being the most likely opportunities to clock up appearances.
Remaining at Chelsea would allow Wardlaw the opportunity to try and shine and impress manager Emma Hayes day in, day out on the training pitch.
A permanent transfer
This potential outcome seems highly unlikely. Wardlaw signed a long-term contract extension with Chelsea back in September and she is now tied down to the South West Londoners until summer 2025. Manager Hayes sees the youngster’s potential and she will surely want to monitor Wardlaw’s development closely over the next few seasons.
Another loan deal
Wardlaw’s return to Chelsea is most likely to be temporary and another loan deal seems very probable as it will allow her to get more senior playing experience week-on-week.
Where could the player go? If she remains in the Barclays Women’s Super League, it would be no surprise to see Brighton & Hove Albion develop an interest, particularly given the success of Wardlaw’s Chelsea teammate Jorja Fox at Broadfield Stadium. It is common knowledge that The Seagulls have an injury and illness crisis while they started the season low on squad numbers. Bottom club Leicester City may be another potential option with their boss Willie Kirk desperate to add some quality this month.
Barclays Women’s Championship clubs are certain to be interested. London City Lionesses might be a team who could make an approach. Wardlaw’s versatility and ability to play in midfield could mean that she is a good option to replace the injured Charlotte Fleming for the short-term, while the player has a Barclays Women’s Championship title-winners’ medal from last season, something which could also appeal.
Crystal Palace had success when loaning another Chelsea player in Emily Orman last season and are on good terms with The Blues while it would be no surprise if the likes of Charlton Athletic and Southampton also have Wardlaw on their respective radars.
Wardlaw spent almost 18 months with former loan club Liverpool, split across two spells. She was a regular for The Reds last term before struggling for opportunities since the club’s promotion to the top flight.
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