Official: Sunderland sign young Chelsea defender on loan for rest of season

After sitting on his hands for most of the past six months as some sort of emergency backup and training dummy, Chelsea Academy graduate Jake Clarke-Salter has finally been allowed to leave on loan. Rumors emerged last week of the 20-year-old joining recently relegated and still struggling Sunderland, and sure enough, after being spotted at Newcastle airport last night, this morning the move was confirmed by both teams. This is Chelsea’s second confirmed loan transfer of the winter window after Ike Ugbo joined MK Dons last week.

After finishing rock bottom of the Premier League last year, Sunderland now sit rock bottom of the Championship with the second-most goals conceded in the division, so they could certainly use some defensive help.

Clarke-Salter spent most of last season at League One side Bristol Rovers, though his season was disrupted by a fractured arm and dislocated elbow that kept him out from November to March. Hopefully he’ll find more success up on Wearside.

Good luck, JCS!

P.S.: Be sure to check out our friends at the Roker Report, SB Nation’s Sunderland blog, who have kept a close eye on this move from the very beginning.

In other Academy news, young goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, currently on loan at non-league Woking signed a new 2.5-year contract, while Cole Dasilva, younger brother of Jay Dasilva, is close to finalizing a loan move to Cheltenham Town. Also, Jordan Houghton’s loan to Doncaster Rovers was recently extended for the full season.