Many loan moves were in the works as Transfer Deadline Day approached. Yesterday the loans of Kenedy, Loic Remy and Patrick Bamford to Watford, Crystal Palace and Burnley respectively, were already confirmed. Today, four more slightly lower profile loans also went through in rapid succession.
First up is Cristian Cuevas, whom you might remember as one of the surprise inclusions on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Austria. Despite only seeing minutes in a friendly against the champions of Austria’s fourth division, Cuevas was actually coming off of a relatively successful season on loan at Sint Truiden in the Belgian Pro League, racking up 2214 minutes of playing time. The 21-year-old, who can play either at left-back or as a left-winger, has returned to STVV, will spend next season in familiar surroundings.
OFFICIEEL : Cuevas is back! Hij wordt ook dit seizoen gehuurd van Chelsea. https://t.co/RjrkTshF1p
— STVV (@stvv) August 31, 2016
Islam Feruz continues to be quite the journeyman and also heads off to the Belgian Pro League. He joins goalkeeper Matej Delac at Royal Mouscron.
OFFICIEL: @Trezeguet et Islam #Feruz ont signé à @ExcelMouscron #REM Infos sur https://t.co/QAzb01fR7C pic.twitter.com/PaS31zdxqh
— Royal Excel Mouscron (@ExcelMouscron) August 31, 2016
Academy center-back Dion Conroy has moved on loan to non-league side Aldershot Town until January. The 20-year-old signed a new 2.5-year deal with Chelsea back in February.
We are delighted to welcome @ChelseaFC defender Dion Conroy on loan until January 2017https://t.co/Qa8R2kZ6kE pic.twitter.com/t06kyXDXCH
— Aldershot Town FC (@OfficialShots) August 31, 2016
While Conroy was expected to be loaned out, Academy goalkeeper Nathan Baxter was not. The 17-year-old has been farmed out to another non-league side, Met Police FC. Yes, yes, I’m sure he hasn’t just been arrested.
#DeadlineDay signing for us - Chelsea's FA Youth Cup winning keeper Nathan Baxter joins on loan until January #CFC pic.twitter.com/Mki0uVoqQD
— Met Police FC (@MetPoliceFC) August 31, 2016
Here’s the excellent @ChelseaYouth to attempt to de-mystifying this surprise move.
Baxter goes on loan in part to clear something of academy logjam with Collins, Thompson, Cumming and Bułka all needing games too.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) August 31, 2016
@ollie_glanvill Granted it's an unusual one but can see why they've done it. Needs games but league clubs won't play a 17yo loanee in goal.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) August 31, 2016
@ollie_glanvill Academy has GK links with them too; Stuart Searle is/was their U18 boss, had Alex Kozakis on trial from them last season too
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) August 31, 2016
Here’s to a great season ahead for all four of them.