This is not Chalobah’s first spell with a club overseas, having spent part of the 2020-21 campaign on loan with Lorient in the French top flight.
It was there that he emulated his older brother Nathaniel, who played for Napoli, by taking the less-trodden path of moving to Europe as an English player, a route that has since become more commonplace.
The younger Chalobah says it was “not a coincidence” that Tuchel, whom he had faced while at Lorient after the German joined Paris St-Germain, picked him out and gave him his Chelsea debut.
Five years later, Tuchel promised him that if a defender dropped out of England’s World Cup squad, Chalobah would be first in line for a call-up.
While on holiday in New York, Chalobah received the call to join Tuchel’s squad at his first World Cup in place of the injured Tino Livramento.
“The story’s already written before I was born,” Chalobah said.
“He’s the one that gave me my debut for Chelsea and he’s the same manager that called me up for the World Cup last minute.
“I think certain things are meant to happen and I’m grateful for that. Obviously all thanks to him and I’m really happy.”
The tournament ended in a semi-final defeat by Argentina before the team secured the bronze medal with a 6-4 victory over France in their final match.
“No one wants to come third. You’re just one step away from the final,” he said.
“It was definitely hard for the players. It did hit us for a couple of days. You know how hard the boys worked, how they believed that we could win it.
“And yeah, we were so close. But we learn from this and be proud of what we’ve done and achieved.”
It is now another manager with whom Chalobah’s destiny intertwines.
Fabregas was one of Chelsea‘s stars when Chalobah was in the academy and taking part in training sessions with the first-team squad.
“I remember how demanding he was with the younger players. So yeah, I know him really well,” Chalobah explained, recalling those early sessions.
Fabregas has overseen Como’s remarkable rise from Serie B to the Champions League in just two seasons and convinced Chalobah to join amid interest from Inter Milan.
“He was a massive part,” Chalobah added. “He explained what he wanted, the way he sees the club and how he sees me fitting into this club and how I can help – having a lot of experience, physicality as well, the leadership.
“It wasn’t an overnight thing, it was a very thoughtful and hard decision. But I thought, as I said, the trajectory of this club and the direction it’s going in, and speaking to the manager, and wanting to be part of this story.
“I’m really excited for this new chapter in my beautiful story that I’ve had so far.”
