Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has insisted he will not be returning to Belgium as ‘it’s not the right time’.
The Belgian striker has been linked with a return to his homeland having found himself playing a bit-part role at Chelsea once again this season.
Tammy Abraham’s impressive performances have left Batshuayi as second choice for Blues manager Frank Lampard, who has only handed him starts in the Carabao Cup.
That’s led to suggestions that he may look for a move in the January transfer window, particularly as he eyes up a place in Roberto Martínez’s Belgium squad for Euro 2020.
As in the summer, a return to Belgium with Anderlecht has been mooted but Batshuayi, who rubbished the original claim on Twitter several months ago, insists that will not be happening.
“I have been very clear,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws.
“Clearer than my tweet isn’t possible? I don’t think I’ll play for them (Anderlecht).
“Even my manager and parents wouldn’t accept that. I’m not going to say too much, but it’s not the right time to come back to Belgium.“
Anderlecht are not the only side interested in Batshuayi, with reports in England suggesting that several Premier League sides would also be keen should he be available.
Crystal Palace are one of them after Batshuayi spent the second half of last season on loan at Selhurst Park scoring six goals in 13 games.
And he has hinted heavily that they would be an option for him should he be forced to leave Chelsea in the near future.
“Exactly. You have now given the answer yourself,” he responded when explicitly asked about interest from ‘London clubs’.
