Chelsea loanee departure will be his decision, says Hibernian manager

Once one of most lauded prospects in Chelsea's Academy, 20-year-old striker Islam Feruz hasn't had much luck yet at the professional level. Following failed loan spells at OFI Crete and Blackpool last season, Feruz arrived at Scottish second-level club Hibernian to get first-team football, but only managed to garner 56 minutes of playing time over the last 2 months, with his current club on a 16-match unbeaten run.

Unsurprisingly, rumours regarding an early departure from his season-long loan deal have emerged in the media and according to Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs, Feruz would be going out of the club by his own volition.

"We are not looking at anyone leaving, but I can understand that 'Izzy' would have liked to have got more game time. That is the same with every player who has not been in the team, but every player needs to understand that when the team is winning they are the ones who deserve to keep the shirt."

"I have tried to mix it here and there when I could without affecting the balance of the team too much."

"If he decides he wants to go back to Chelsea then that will be his decision. My decision would be for him to stay and fight for his place. If he goes back it will be not through ourselves."

-Alan Stubbs; Source: Edinburgh News

As unfortunate as the situation might be to one of our players, it's completely understandable that the Hibernian's manager prioritizes maintaining a winning core over trying to appease to a Chelsea loanee. Given his bad luck in loan destinations, it might be best for him and for Chelsea to retain him at the club until the end of the season, as Feruz will certainly look for another place to kick-start his professional career by the summer transfer window.