Abdul Rahman Baba, a 21-year-old Ghana international, joined Chelsea in 2015 with considerable expectations from then-manager Jose Mourinho, who foresaw him as the ideal replacement for Premier League victor Cesar Azpilicueta.
Baba’s acquisition at Chelsea was endorsed by Mourinho, who regarded the left-back as a pivotal signing to bring equilibrium to the squad. Regrettably, events did not transpire as anticipated for both the player and the manager. During his inaugural season, Baba made 23 appearances, providing only two assists, while Chelsea finished 10th in the league. Mourinho was relieved of his duties midway through the campaign, leaving Baba to acclimate to a new manager, Guus Hiddink.
In the subsequent season, Baba was loaned out to FC Schalke 04 due to fitness and meniscus issues, and his tenure there was marred by injuries. In 2017, he sustained an ACL tear, which sidelined him for 470 days. Consequently, Baba was loaned to Mallorca in 2019 but suffered another knee ligament injury just three weeks later. This led to surgery on both knees, nearly concluding his football career.
Notwithstanding these setbacks, Baba exhibited resilience and determination. He made fleeting appearances on loan at PAOK Salonika and Reading before ultimately transferring to PAOK in 2023, where he has found stability in his career.
The once highly-touted player’s market value has plummeted from £12 million to a mere £1.6 million in 2024, as he continues to strive to regain his form and make an impact at his new club. Meanwhile, Azpilicueta experienced considerable success at Chelsea, securing two Premier League titles and captaining the club to a Champions League triumph in 2021.
Although Abdul Rahman Baba’s tenure at Chelsea did not unfold as expected, his determination to surmount numerous obstacles and persist in pursuing his passion for football is admirable.
Source:
Football.london Chelsea 2024, “The Unfortunate Story of Abdul Rahman Baba at Chelsea”