The second move of the winter transfer window has been official confirmed, as Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, currently in the third tier, have agreed a six-month loan for young left back Jay Dasilva.
Youngster Jay Dasilva will head to Charlton on loan for the rest of the season - his first loan away from us...https://t.co/Q9nKK9GZFz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 30, 2016
At least I used to think that Dasilva is a left back, but apparently he’s a “left-sider”, to use Charlton’s terminology, which is a new one to me but presumably does not refer to the 18-year-old’s political leanings. Dasilva has plenty of experience playing up and down the left flank, from full-back to wing-back to not-back at all, but there is a sense that Charlton might try to use him in an even more advanced role and as a direct replacement for wing-forward Ademola Lookman, who’s expected to leave for Everton (maybe) this January.
Lookman’s a small, quick, electric winger and Dasilva certainly has similar qualities in abundance, but it sounds like Karl Robinson (who once coached loanees Lewis Baker and Patrick Bamford at MK Dons) has even grander plans for the 18-year-old.
“Jay is somebody who has been very highly thought of in Chelsea’s academy system over the last three years or so. What he’ll give us is a real dynamic speed and a real agility in his movement. “
“He’s a left footed player that can play as a winger, a wing-back and in the number 10 position. Technically, he is outstanding and we are very pleased to get this deal done right away.”
“We are short on bodies at the moment and Jay will help to bolster our squad, as well as the move aiding his development.”
-Karl Robinson; source: Charlton Athletic FC
Dasilva could make his debut as early as Monday, when Charlton take on Charlie Colkett’s (and Jake Clarke-Salter’s) Bristol Rovers.
“I’m delighted to sign here on loan until the end of the season and I cannot wait to get started. This is my first loan move, so I’m itching to get going and I’m looking forward to getting familiar with everything around here.”
“I see myself as an attack-minded player. I’m not the tallest but I’m very quick and this is the next step for me in my development as a player. I think that Charlton is the right place for me to take that step.”
-Jay Dasilva; source: Charlton Athletic FC
Charlton are smack dab in the middle of the table in League One, and if they were to finish there, they would just about equal their worst finish since the late 1920s. These are not the happiest days at The Valley, but hopefully Dasilva can help them improve a bit.