Official: Bamford signs new Chelsea deal, heads out on loan

Patrick Bamford has, as expected, gone on loan to Crystal Palace for the 2015/16 season. But along with the loan, we've received a pleasant surprise -- the reigning Championship Player of the Year has also signed a 3-year contract extension, committing his future to Chelsea despite the presence of some big-name centre forwards in our current squad.

That's obviously excellent news, and could be very big indeed for the Blues. While Bamford has excelled in League 1 and the Championship, the top flight represents a major step up, and Palace looks like it has all the ingredients for him to thrive -- and it's not like they're over-burdened with strikers at the moment. If Alan Pardew uses Bamford properly, he could be play a major role in keeping Palace out of the relegation scrap and into mid-table, experience which could prove vital as he readies himself for his Chelsea career.

Here's Bamford on the deal:

I’m delighted to sign a new contract with Chelsea. My dream has always been to be part of this club for the long term. Chelsea have been fantastic with my development and joining Crystal Palace for this season on loan is the next step for me in my career.

Source: ChelseaFC.com.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Premier League. Good luck at Selhurst Park!