Blues have today securing the signing of Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter, on a season-long loan deal.
Clarke-Salter played against new Blues recruit Dan Crowley last season in the Dutch top-flight – and interestingly enough, the Telegraph posted an interesting interview with both players here. The Chelsea youngster followed a similar path to that of many Chelsea kids, as he played for Vitesse Arnhem on loan. Blues have offered the young centre-back a chance back in his home country, which he appears to have jumped at.
Jake Clarke-Salter is a defender with plenty of pedigree for a young player. As the England U21 captain, Clarke-Salter will be leading the team during this year’s Under-21 Championship in Italy. He was part of the England Under-20s team that won the World Cup, and played 28 times in the Dutch top division last season. While Clarke-Salter might seem fresh-faced, he has plenty of experience internationally and now in Holland, so the Championship shouldn’t be a huge step-up for him
The youngster did play for half a season in this division – for Sunderland. However, this loan move was wholly unsuccessful; though Sunderland weren’t exactly setting the league alight before his move to Wearside, and he has played a full season elsewhere since.
Blues have been in dire need of a centre-back since the unpopular departure of captain Michael Morrison, though Blues have landed a young replacement for an old head.