The transfer window slammed shut yesterday, and it appears that Chelsea managed to sneak in one more deal just before the deadline.
Today, it was announced that backup goalkeeper Jamal Blackman will spend the 2019-20 season on loan at a familiar destination, Vitesse Arnhem, a.k.a. Chelsea B (though recently the number of loanees there has dwindled).
Vitesse huurt Blackman van Chelsea
— Vitesse (@MijnVitesse) September 3, 2019
Vitesse biedt Blackman de kans om, nadat zijn revalidatie erop zit, mee te trainen met het eerste elftal
▶️ https://t.co/umXnFBbDXB#Vitesse pic.twitter.com/7k23lLpJTH
Jamal joins fellow Chelsea loanee Charly Musonda Jr at the Eredivisie club. Both players have been struggling with multiple injuries in recent seasons, with Blackman coming off of a broken leg he suffered last November, while on loan at Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United. Previously, he had loan spells at Middlesbrough, Östersunds FK, Wycombe Wanderers and Sheffield United.
Jamal is expected to be fit soon, and the hope is that he will be able to gain some playing time at Vitesse, as their technical director, Mo Allach explains.
“As soon as Jamal is fit again, he joins us. Jamal is a good keeper, but he comes back from a serious injury. That is an intensive process.In consultation with Chelsea we have determined that he can optimally work his way up to the desired level with us.
“After all, the gap to the first team of Chelsea is too big at the moment and it is impossible for Jamal to join the youth academy. And so, thanks to the good relationship with Chelsea, we can offer him a solution.”
-Mo Allach; source: Vitesse
Here’s hoping for a full and complete recovery, and a successful loan, for the soon to be 26-year-old goalkeeper.
Good luck, Jamal!