Vitesse ready for next batch of Chelsea loanees, starting with Academy Player of the Year

Last season, three Chelsea loanees, Lewis Baker, Matt Miazga and Nathan, helped Vitesse win the KNVB Beker, the club’s first-ever major trophy in their history. Not only did this give them a financial boost, it also validated the partnership to an even greater extent (development in exchange for winning!) while also propelling Vitesse straight into the group stages of the Europa League.

They will however need mass reinforcements before next season. While Vitesse were reportedly wanting to keep all three loanees from last year, only Nathan is likely to stay. Loanees Adnane Tighadouini and Kevin Diks are also returning to their parent clubs. Meanwhile, Kelvin Leerdam is out of contract and Ricky van Wolfswinkel, the highest-scoring striker they’ve had since Wilfried Bony, has gone to FC Basel.

This is where Chelsea come into focus. According to De Telegraaf, high on Vitesse’s wishlist are Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Mason Mount and Goal-machine Tammy Abraham. While Vitesse’s managing director Joost de Wit has not named any names in public, he probably should forget about Tammy. Mount, on the other hand, would make a fantastic addition. It would be a huge step for the 18-year-old, but one we feel he could handle very well.

“With Chelsea, we work together in an enjoyable manner. We have made our wishes clear and had plenty of conversation. It is clear that for next season, we need a strong and wide selection of players. Also, in view of the European races.”

- Joost de Wit, Vitesse Managing Director; source: FCUpdate.nl

Vitesse have already made a few other moves, signing midfielders Thomas Bruns and Thulani Serero from Heracles and Ajax respectively, and bringing back Valeri Qazaishvili on loan from Legia Warsaw. Adding Mason Mount into that mix would be great. (Less so far Abraham, for whom it would be a step sideways, rather than forward.)