Chelsea striker Marc Guiu is reportedly willing to return to Sunderland on loan this January after growing frustrated with limited playing time at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old striker returned from Sunderland late in the summer window after a complicated series of events in Chelseaโs forward line. But Guiu has fallen out of favour under Maresca and is now considering a transfer in search for regular game time and confidence.
Guiuโs reacall arrived amidst a turbulent period for Chelsea who underwent a major overhaul to their forward line-up. His reassignment was supposed to increase the depth of squad but has instead seen the youngster perform poorly in a system that already boasts several senior forwards ahead of him.
Guiuโs recall followed Chelseaโs late attacking reshuffle
Chelseaโs forward line was given a big makeover during the summer window. With Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson making their exits, the summer clearout was now complete. The team signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, and Joao Pedro, all with different qualities that were in line with Maresca’s organic front-line system.
Among the summer signings, Joao Pedro had soon become the first-choice No. 9, with Delap being his primary deputy. However, a nasty hamstring injury suffered by Delap on the closing days of the transfer window made Chelsea re-evaluate their forward options. This had seen Jackson recalled just in time before he could complete his transfer to Bayern Munich, before Marc Guiu’s eventual return from Sunderland to augment the attack.
Guiu’s stay on Wearside was brief but encouraging. The Spanish frontman has caught the eye of Sunderlandโs staff with his mentality, inter-play and physical presence up top. But his recall spoiled that flow. His experience on Wearside apart, Marc Guiu has been a mere spectator since coming back to Stamford Bridge โ only making a 16-minute cameo appearance against Liverpool prior to the international break.
Since the teenager has already played for both Chelsea and Sunderland this term, FIFA regulations allow him to feature only for these two clubs until the end of the season. That means he effectively has his choices restricted to either battling for a spot in Maresca’s side or earning a return to the Stadium of Light in January.
Marc Guiu keen on January return to Sunderland
Guiu allegedly wants to go back to Sunderland too, where playing regularly in a familiar side can help his development. Those around him say he remains driven and eager to prove himself in the Premier League. At Chelsea, though, he is not getting much of a look in and will have less when Delap can be called upon again.
Sunderland, meanwhile, may be open to bringing him back. The newly-promoted side have several loan slots available and continue to assess attacking options to maintain momentum in their survival campaign. Guiuโs brief spell earlier in the season left a strong impression, and the club values his energy and potential as a long-term prospect.
For Chelsea, a return to Sunderland could benefit both parties โ allowing the striker to develop through regular top-flight exposure while freeing Maresca from managing a congested forward group.
Authorโs Opinion
Marc Guiuโs situation highlights the challenge faced by young players at elite clubs โ immense potential meeting limited opportunity. Chelseaโs new project under Maresca requires tactical maturity and consistency, something the Spaniard is still working on.
A return to Sunderland is the obvious step. The club already knows his strengths, he would earn immediate game time, and Chelsea could monitor his progress without risk. Once Delap regains fitness, Guiuโs minutes at Stamford Bridge will shrink further.
For both sides, another loan spell could serve mutual interests โ granting Sunderland a motivated striker and giving Chelsea a sharper, more confident prospect next summer.
