Bertrand Traore, the Burkina Faso midfielder that Chelsea signed from Association Jeunes Espoirs De Bobo-Dioulasso at the start of the January transfer window in 2014, has finally been granted a work permit to play for the Blues next season.
Despite being signed in 2014 he wasn’t able to play for Chelsea as he wasn’t granted a work permit, but the Blues reapplied this summer and were successful thanks to the Football Association’s new points based system.
Traore spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, making 36 appearances in all competitions and scoring 19 times. It is thought that he will now join Chelsea’s tour of the United States.
The new points based system was introduced by the Football Association in an attempt to limit the number of non-EU players, but Traore has now been given permission to play in England by the FA.
Traore is seen as one of the brightest stars around, having played for Burkina Faso in three different African Cup of Nations tournaments – his first when he was just 15.
Chelsea’s US tour sees them go up against the New York Red Bulls, Paris St. Germain and Barcelona, amongst others. If Traore makes a good impression then he could find himself part of Chelsea’s squad for the 2015-2016 season, with Mourinho known to give his young players a run out in the League Cup, as well as the early rounds of the FA Cup.
The more likely scenario, though, will see Traore head out on loan to a Championship club in order to gain experience of life in England before he returns to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea currently have 25 players out on loan as it is a system Mourinho trusts to ensure his players get the necessary experience without endangering Chelsea’s progression in the English competitions.