Official: Kasey Palmer joins Blackburn Rovers on loan for the season

Despite travelling to Perth for the friendly against Perth Glory, Kasey Palmer did not play. He was one of the few unused substitutes by Chelsea — a rather long way to travel for a non-appearance. But it already looked likely even before than that Palmer would again be heading out on loan, a feeling which intensified when the 21-year-old attacking midfielder didn’t make the short trip to the French Riviera for the International Champions Cup fixture against Inter this past weekend.

Earlier today, the news was made official, and Palmer is dropping back down to the second tier of English football. He is joining Blackburn Rovers for the season.

Blackburn, once mighty Premier League champions, were actually in the third division last season, but earned promotion back to the Championship after finishing second thanks to 18 goals from Bradley Dack and 17 goals from former Swansea and Sunderland striker Danny Graham. Their production could make for fertile ground for Palmer to showcase his attacking and creative skills.

Palmer himself has found success at this level of English football in the past. In 2016-17, he appeared in 24 league matches for Huddersfield Town, scoring 4 goals, and was crucial in their promotion push to the Premier League. Palmer however couldn’t replicate that form after rejoining the Terriers last summer, eventually leaving in January and joining Derby County, making a further 14 Championship appearances.

At this point, Palmer needs a strong season to re-establish the confidence he built two seasons ago at Huddersfield. Here’s hoping he can find it at Ewood Park.

Go well, Kasey!