Chelsea captain Gary Cahill will be allowed to leave on loan in January, according to multiple reports in the English media.
The Blues defender has spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it means a move would effectively end his career at the London club.
Supporters on Twitter reacted with a variety of different views to the decision to let Cahill go:
Right time to move on we need younger fresher blood in the team
— ????? (@CareFreeRomeo) 14 November 2018
As long as it’s not a top 6 rival I see no issues. Interesting how Chelsea always reward players and let them leave easily whereas other clubs charge a ton for players in the final 6-12 months of their contracts
— Ryzigga (@Ryzigga) 14 November 2018
Love Cahill know this isn’t a popular position but I respect him greatly he’s given us his all and I’ll miss him. No tantrums no whining a good old fashioned defender who never complained about anything. Please don’t respond to this post if you don’t agree, I’m not interested
— Claire McConnell (@ClaireChelsea8) 14 November 2018
I’m that #CFC fan who considers the guy a legend. A lot of our fans forget up until the rant after the Overbo Barca night a lot of our fans were indifferent to the idea of Didier either joining Jose or going back to Marseilles although I’m sure that would be denied now.
— Lee (@vialee78) 14 November 2018
Why loan though ??
— Jamie Hunter (@Jamjar_1986) 14 November 2018
All things come to end. Life goes on
— Bryan ?? (@_4RM_HRE) 14 November 2018
I don’t think loaning Gary Cahill will be a good idea. If he’s surplus to requirement then the club should sell him off and get a good replacement. #CFC
— Akorede Khameel ? (@_akorebami) 14 November 2018
Cahill has won everything with Chelsea. He was also important reference point when we lost players like Lampard, Drogba, Terry, A.Cole, Cech… help maintain #CFC culture.
Thank you Cahill https://t.co/DazV2NL4L2
— Jorginho Role (@mangamwita) 15 November 2018
Manchester United, West Ham, Southampton, Fulham, as well as former club Aston Villa have all been touted as possible destinations for the 32-year-old.
Cahill has won the Champions League, the Europa League, two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one League Cup during his time at the club, as well as racking up 288 appearances so far.
However, under manager Maurizio Sarri this campaign, he has become a fringe player, starting only five matches, and making just one substitute appearance in the Premier League.
The England international has previously commented that he would consider leaving in January for first-team football, and it seems that he has gotten his wish.