Nathan Ake returns to Chelsea as Reading loan comes to an end

Young Nathan Ake has spent most of the season training with the Chelsea first-team, but was sent out on emergency loan to Steve Clarke's Reading last month.  The initial term of the loan was for one month with a possible extension, but it appears that Chelsea chose not to allow that option.

"Chelsea have asked for Nathan back so he goes back to Chelsea. We thank them for allowing Nathan to come and I think everyone has seen in the five games that he has played that he's a top player, and that he's got a very bright future ahead of him."

-Steve Clarke; source: Reading FC

It's hardly surprising that Clarke wanted to keep Ake a bit longer.  The loanee had started all five league games since joining the Championship side, splitting time at left back and defensive midfield.  Presumably he would've started the FA Cup semifinal against Arsenal as well, had he not been cup-tied.  Ake was named Reading's man of the match in their last two league games.

Thank you for Motm again. I want to say thank you @readingfc for everything. Thank you to the… https://t.co/pbJncOQo62

— Nathan Aké (@NathanAke) April 22, 2015

Chelsea's insistence on the 20-year-old's return hopefully means that Jose Mourinho intends to give him some playing time in the final six games of the Premier League season.  In any case, well done, Nathan!