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UPDATE: It’s official.
PREVIOUSLY:
Chelsea may not have a first-team head coach set for next season, but the loan army is almost into double digits already. Loanee number nine was confirmed yesterday by his current club, FK Partizan Belgrade, where he also spent last season and where he had come up as a teenager and had his breakout season that prompted Chelsea to spent a little over £1m to sign him back in 2015.
Now 21, Danilo Pantić had not found success at either Vitesse or Excelsior of the Eredivisie in his first two loans for Chelsea. Last year, he returned to the Serbian Super League and set career highs in games, goals, assists, and was named to the league’s team of the year as well. Perhaps he made his move abroad a bit too soon? He’s now set for another season, which he should dominate if he is to progress.
Pantic was named in the Serbian League team of the season in 2017-18 as he finally started to make good on the potential that marked him out to Chelsea in the first place. It was the first time in three years he'd had the opportunity to play regularly.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) July 5, 2018
Pantić, as it often happens in these cases, signed a new three-year contract extension with Chelsea, though according to some reports, Partizan have a buy-option as well.
In any case, good luck, Danilo.
DEAL
— FK Partizan Belgrade (@FKPartizan_EN) July 3, 2018
Partizan and Chelsea have finally come to an agreement for Danilo Pantić. The player will join the club for another season on loan. Crucially, Partizan also have the right to buy Pantić in the summer of 2019 pic.twitter.com/KQKOohpRSH