Official: Kenneth Omeruo loaned to Middlesbrough

This one is not exactly a surprise: Chelsea have announced that Nigeria defender and ace prospect Kenneth Omeruo has officially joined Middlesbrough on loan for the season. This is not a major difference from him unofficially joining them on loan some time ago -- he announced what was happening via social media last month and my understanding is that he's been training with his new club since returning from his post-World-Cup holiday.

With Kurt Zouma looking a touch rusty, I'm not sure I'm entirely happy with having both Tomas Kalas and Omeruo out on loan all season, but they've certainly earned their chance to be playing every day. Omeruo in particular deserves his place as a starter with Boro, having shone with them down the stretch run last year. Right now getting playing time under his belt is the most important thing, and he'll certainly get that in the long Championship season, which kicks off on Saturday(!) with a home match against Birmingham.