Abdul Baba Rahman Departs Chelsea After Seven Years: A Look Back at His Career
Abdul Baba Rahman, the Ghanaian left-back, has officially left Chelsea after a staggering seven years with the club. Despite signing for the Blues in 2015, Rahman barely featured for the team and spent most of his time on loan. He has now joined Greek side PAOK, marking the next chapter in his career.
A Loan Spell Dominated Career
Rahman initially joined Chelsea on a five-year deal from Augsburg, with high hopes for his future at the club. However, after making just 23 appearances in the 2015/16 season, he was sent out on loan for the remainder of his time as a Chelsea employee. This loan spell pattern continued throughout his career, with Rahman spending three seasons at Schalke before moving on to Mallorca, PAOK, and then Reading for two seasons.
A Costly Investment
Chelsea paid a fee of £14 million for Rahman’s services, which could have potentially risen to £22 million. With only 23 appearances to his name, it means that the Blues could have ended up paying close to £1 million for each of his games. This raises questions about the club’s decision to invest such a significant amount in a player who ultimately had limited playing time.
A Trophyless Season
Rahman’s only season featuring for Chelsea was a disappointing one for the club. The team finished 10th in the Premier League, and their campaign was marred by the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho, who was replaced by Guus Hiddink. Rahman’s last match for Chelsea was a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in May 2016. It was a rare trophyless season for the west London side, and it marked the end of Rahman’s time as a regular player for the team.
A Curious Contract Extension
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rahman’s time at Chelsea was his contract extension in 2021. Despite his lack of playing time and loan spells, Rahman signed an extension that would keep him at the club until 2024. However, he has now left a year early, raising questions about the reasons behind this decision. It remains unclear whether it was a mutual agreement or if there were other factors at play.
Consistency for Ghana
Despite his nomadic club career, Rahman has been a constant presence for the Ghana national team. He has earned 51 caps and played a vital role in helping Ghana reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015. His performances for the national team have showcased his talent and potential, even if he was unable to replicate that success at the club level.
Moving Forward to PAOK
Rahman’s move to PAOK in Greece presents a fresh start for the left-back. It offers him an opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter and regain the form that initially attracted Chelsea’s attention. The Greek league may provide a less competitive environment for Rahman to showcase his skills and potentially revive his career.
In Conclusion
Abdul Baba Rahman’s departure from Chelsea marks the end of a seven-year stint that saw him struggle to make an impact at the club. Despite his limited playing time, Rahman’s consistency for the Ghana national team highlights his potential as a player. His move to PAOK in Greece presents a new opportunity for him to reignite his career and prove his worth on the pitch. Only time will tell if Rahman can fulfill his potential and make a lasting impact in his new chapter at PAOK.