Can left back Abdul Rahman Baba cause change at Chelsea?

Chelsea, 5/1 shots from Coral to lift the FA Cup, have announced the signing of young Augsburg defender Abdul Rahman Baba for a reported fee of over £20m, which is a promising sign for the Stamford Bridge side’s future.

If you missed it, we have announced the signing of Abdul Baba Rahman… http://t.co/o0UaRjSPXy pic.twitter.com/S9HtqOrx9a

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 17, 2015

Jose Mourinho is not exactly renowned for being a long-term planner, and the win now and at all costs mentality that the Blues (9/4 to win the Premier League) share with their manager makes them a good fit.

However, this has clearly led to an ageing spine in the west of London and, while the likes of Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry are far from on their last legs, it is clear the day is coming when they would need replacing.

Mourinho took steps towards this by trusting Kurt Zouma in key games last season, and recently attempting to take John Stones from Everton, but it is not easy for the Portuguese to takes risks with youth in his prized rearguard.

Chelsea’s move for Ghana international Baba, then, speaks volumes, as the 21-year-old has been drafted in to replace departed left back Filipe Luis and to compete with Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta.

The 21-year-old will not necessarily be resigned to understudy though, should he get off to a flying start, as usually tried and trusted Azpilicueta has had an underwhelming beginning to this season.