Report: Cesc Fabregas will leave Chelsea on loan in January

I know, I know. This would be a shocker, probably even more of a stretch than Tata Martino becoming Atlanta United’s manager. However, one shocker for another could be the connection needed to get Fabregas to Atlanta. Also, we dream big at Dirty South Soccer.

Cesc Fabregas, 29, has been with Chelsea since 2014, but a lack of playing time under Antonio Conte will likely have him leaving the Blues in January. The midfielder won the Premier League with Chelsea and was one of its most influential players during the 2014-15 season, but has played just 87 minutes in the PL this season.

Should he be available, a number of top European teams will be interested in his services. Fabregas is already being linked to Manchester City, Bayern, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Dortmund, Juventus and even Real Madrid.

Now how exactly is Atlanta United going to compete with those teams? Well, it all depends on how strong that relationship between Fabregas and Tata Martino is. Martino coached Fabregas in his lone season as manager of Barcelona. The midfielder was a regular starter under Martino, compiling 13 goals and 13 assists in 55 appearances.

Chelsea are reportedly so keen on Fabregas going out on loan in January that they’re prepared to contribute to his wages in order to make it happen, with manager Antonio Conte hoping to replace him with another midfielder. Fabregas earns £160,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, making him the third-highest earner at the club. The Blues believe his wages are “unjustifiable” and the with the excellent form Nemanja Matic has been in as of late, Fabregas looks to be the odd man out.

Chelsea lowering Fabregas’ price tag would obviously be helpful for Atlanta United’s hopes, but it would still be a large sum of money. The length of the loan would also be critical. Would Atlanta United be willing to sign a DP that’s only here on a six-month loan? It’s unlikely.

Fabregas could dominate MLS and would fit Martino’s system as a skilled, creative midfielder quite well. It’s also important to remember Fabregas is only 29. Most midfielders are at their peak around this age.

This is obviously a stretch, but what better place for Fabregas to regain his form than MLS? It benefits both him and Chelsea to wreak havoc on, oh I don’t know, Minnesota United and Orlando City? Yeah, that’ll do. Chelsea, we’ll have our people call your people.