Sun Jan 11, 2015 3:20 pm
Sunday 11th January 2015
By Gareth Rogers
Chelsea starlet Islam Feruz returns to Stamford Bridge as Cardiff City opt not to make loan bid after week-long trial
A week after joining Cardiff City for a trial in dramatic circumstances, Islam Feruz has been sent back to Chelsea without the season long loan move he was aiming to seal.
Chelsea striker Islam Feruz has returned to Stamford Bridge - and won’t be signing for Cardiff City on loan.
The Scottish under-21 starlet, who was born in Somalia and grew up in Glasgow, spent last week on trial with Russell Slade’s squad with a view to signing until the end of this season.
But having failed to impress, the 19-year-old has returned to Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad to fight for recognition, as Slade insists no loan bid will be made.
Feruz still has four and a half years to run on his Blues contract and has just returned from a spell with Greek League club OFI Crete.
Mourinho was happy for him to play Championship football with Cardiff but Slade has sent him back.
“We’ve made a decision on Islam and he’s gone back to Chelsea,” said the Bluebirds boss after the 1-0 win against Fulham.
Bolton and Brighton were also linked with loan moves for Feruz last week, but the young striker came to South Wales after a dramatic late turnaround and a change of agents when the move had initially been called off.
But having decided Feruz would not add to the talent he already has at his disposal, Slade is looking elsewhere to strengthen his squad this month.