Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we had already seen Charlie Colkett in a Vitesse kit at the club’s training center, Papendal before any official word came down from either team. Today, both Chelsea and Vitesse have officially confirmed the highly promising midfielder’s season-long long move.
Best of luck to Charlie Colkett, who has agreed a season-long loan with Vitesse Arnhem... https://t.co/C5HiYRcI39
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2017
Charlie Colkett per direct naar #Vitesse https://t.co/TwoQu7dB8Z pic.twitter.com/6yuDgQok37
— Vitesse (@MijnVitesse) July 6, 2017
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at League One clubs Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town. While impressive in spells for both, he didn’t quite break out as one would expect a player of his potential to do. Fankaty Dabo, who was recently announced as a Vitesse loanee as well, played alongside Colkett at Swindon; the pair are making quite a step up, from a relegated League One side to one in the Europa League.
Colkett joins Dabo in swapping relegation from League One at Swindon to the Europa League with Vitesse. Not many players will do that.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) July 6, 2017
You can watch Colkett’s first interview at Vitesse below, where he looks forward to the upcoming season and hopes to emulate the feats of Lewis Baker, who acquired star status in his two years in Arnhem.
Colkett is adept at pulling the strings in midfield and possesses great vision, with an eye for goal as well. He’ll fill the void left by Lewis Baker, who played a similar role at Vitesse. Let’s hope he does just as well, if not better.