When Todd Boehly completed his takeover in May, Chelsea were supposed to gradually move themselves away from being in the headlines on a daily basis.
However, the change in ownership at Stamford Bridge subsequently led to the biggest financial outlay that the Premier League has ever seen during one transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel has since departed, despite the head coach having a considerable say in the club's incomings and outcomings, and a wide array of players are currently spending time out on loan, either having fallen out of Tuchel's plans or requiring first-team experience.
Here, Sports Mole assesses how Chelsea's players have fared since their temporary exits in recent months.
WHICH PLAYERS ARE FINDING IT BENEFICIAL?
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When Callum Hudson-Odoi did not feature in the first Premier League squad of the season, the writing appeared to be on the wall for the academy graduate, and it came as no surprise when he eventually linked up with Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite lingering concerns regarding his Achilles issues, the 21-year-old has made four starts and one substitute outings across a two-week period, and the extra seniority could help the winger reach new heights as the season progresses.
In the Championship, left-back Ian Maatsen has established himself as a first-team player under Vincent Kompany at Burnley, contributing one goal and two assists from his eight outings for the Clarets.
Tino Anjorin is also enjoying a productive spell at Huddersfield Town, making six starts and two substitute outings for the Terriers at a time when the 20-year-old is desperate for first-team football after injury and fitness issues.
Anjorin also chipped in with a fine double in a fixture against West Bromwich Albion, but goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom has been keeping goals out during his stint with League One outfit Peterborough United.
Although Posh are currently enduring a dismal period of form, Bergstrom is yet to concede more than two goals in a single match from nine starts.
Meanwhile, defender Sam McClelland is making full use of his first period away from Chelsea, helping Barrow occupy second spot in League Two in his nine appearances in the middle of the backline.
WHICH PLAYERS NEED MORE TIME?
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With a lack of cover in central defence, Chelsea took their time before loaning Ethan Ampadu to Spezia, but the Wales international has impressed on his first two starts for the Italian side.
After his new club in Serie A only succumbed 1-0 to Napoli, Ampadu was part of the team which posted a 2-1 victory over Sampdoria.
Big things are expected of Levi Colwill at Brighton & Hove Albion, but the England Under-21 international has not been helped by two Premier League postponements and a change in manager.
Nevertheless, the centre-back still has two Premier League substitute outings and an EFL start to his name, and he will now hope to impress new boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Harvey Vale only made his debut for Hull City on Saturday, playing 67 minutes during a defeat at Swansea City, and the attacker requires more time before any judgement can be made.
The same goes for Bryan Fiabema, even though all the signs are encouraging. The 19-year-old has earned two starts and two substitute outings at Forest Green Rovers, and regular action in League One this campaign should only help the winger realise his potential.
WHO MAY NEED TO RETURN TO STAMFORD BRIDGE IN JANUARY?
Chelsea have high hopes for Jayden Wareham having handed him a three-year deal when signing him from Woking, and the next stage of his development is currently taking place at Leyton Orient.
Although he netted twice during an EFL Trophy tie on Tuesday, the 19-year-old has only featured in one matchday squad, and remaining on the periphery of a successful team does not bode well for the youngster going forward.
Dujon Sterling has far more experience in the EFL, but the right-back also finds himself playing catch-up at Stoke City. The Potters have been impressing at a time when he remains on the sidelines, and it may materialise that the 22-year-old goes elsewhere in January.
Darren Plant
