Michael Hector officially leaves, Danny Drinkwater officially returns to Chelsea

The transfer window is open and there’s already action around two of Chelsea’s most useless signings in recent memory — and that’s saying something, unfortunately.

Michael Hector, technically a Chelsea player since 2015 has finally followed his transfer-mate, the legendary Papy Djilobodji out of the club by officially completing his move to Fulham. He had been training with the friendly neighbors since the summer already, when a last-minute deal collapsed as the paperwork missed the deadline by a few minutes.

Wikipedia

The now 27 year old Hector played for Reading, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hull City, and Sheffield Wednesday while on Chelsea’s books, continuing his already incredible loan career. If there ever was a Loanee Hall of Fame, he would be a first-ballot inductee.

Thanks for the memories, The Fresh Prince of East Ham!

One useless player who’s yet to let go of his Chelsea dream/paycheck is Danny Drinkwater, who spent the last six months at Burnley but played about as much (well, as little, to be more accurate) as he had at Chelsea the previous twelve months. Having had to deal with a few injuries and off-field incidents, the 29-year-old’s football career has really taken a downwards turn over the past 18 months. He’s in dire need of some minutes wherever and however he can them.

But that certainly won’t be coming at Burnley, who have officially decided against extending his loan and will be sending him back to Chelsea — the loan officially expires on January 6, but Drinkwater’s time with the Clarets is already done.

“He’s very understanding. He’s a good lad and I like him a lot and I think he’s a very good player. We couldn’t get him the game-time that he wanted and therefore he’s going to take his chance in January and see if something else comes up that can promise him more game-time.

“There’s no grudge to bear. We enjoyed his company and him being around but just couldn’t get enough football for him. It’s a professional decision from his point of view. There was a moment when we had injuries and he probably would have played but things happen in football.

“He has been a credit to himself with his professionalism, other than the incident; the way he has recovered from that and the way has looked after himself. He has tried to be part of the group. We just haven’t got him as much game-time as he wanted and he needs. I like him as a player and a character and I wish him well.”

-Sean Dyche; source: Burnley FC

What may be next for Drinkwater is anyone’s guess. He was recently linked with a loan move to Aston Villa, so perhaps something along those lines will develop in the next 27 days, before the transfer window slams shut again. (Yes, it always slams.)