What does the future hold for Denise Zakaria? The uncertainty of a previously closely watched talent

Chelsea FC is buying like wild under the leadership of American owner Todd Boehly. Their spending on player transfers has been tallied by Transfermarkt at over 600 million euros this season alone. With an A-team roster of 32 players, it seems unlikely that they will further burden their books with the permanent acquisition of Denis Zakaria.

the 26-year-old Swiss international has been a guest of the Blues since the start of this season. However, he has only received 600 minutes in all competitions so far in a bloated line-up. Initially signed in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield, Zakaria has not played a minute under the German tactician.

Instead, in just one season, the midfielder is already listening to tactical instructions from a fourth manager. In fact, back in the summer he joined Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri’s tactics. He and Tuchel were handed the door in London. Yet their brief encounter, along with the stages under Potter and now Lampard, completes the sum.

A year full of uncertainties has also been complicated by injury. Zakaria missed four games at the turn of January and February due to a posterior thigh muscle. A reputation as an injury-prone player has followed him since his serious knee problems from the 2019/20 season. A second season of recurring monthly absences is beginning to confirm this concern.

The player’s future also remains uncertain. With limited space at Chelsea and a cabin filled to such an extent that some players have to change in the hallway, according to reports from The Athletic, activating the €28 million exit clause seems unlikely.

In that case, a return to Turin is the obvious option. Zakaria has featured regularly in the jersey of the 36-time Italian champion after his January move from Mönchengladbach. However, the summer arrivals of Paul Pogba and Kevin Paredes made him a player they were willing to loan to Chelsea in the club’s eyes.

Paredes himself, on loan at Juventus from PSG Paris, has been given limited space under Allegri. Pogba’s return has also not gone to plan.

So Zakaria may still have a future in northern Italy. Yet the level of uncertainty associated with the player previously tipped to succeed Fernandinho at Manchester City is striking. However, with his profile, he could prove to be a suitable candidate for several clubs looking for midfield reinforcements.

With nearly five years of experience in a Borussia Mönchengladbach jersey, a return to Germany could be a welcome restart to his career. As a shield midfielder capable of playing in the centre of defence, Emre Can’s current role at coach Edin Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund seems like the ideal opportunity.

Also, Thomas Tuchel, the manager under whom Zakaria originally signed for Chelsea, is back in the Bundesliga. As Bayern Munich coach, he has expressed his dissatisfaction with Leon Goretzka’s performance and calls for the arrival of a genuine defensive midfielder to pair with Kimmich could be answered.

Entering his ideal footballing age, Denis Zakaria must weigh his next steps carefully. Otherwise, he is building a reputation as damaged goods.

Sources: Transfermarkt, Chelsea FC