Given the size of Chelsea’s first team and youth squad, it is always a tough task finding sufficient loan moves for their most promising players.
They have found the most success from sending individuals to BlueCo sister club Strasbourg. Andrey Santos is the poster boy for how that can work out and provide a pathway to the first team squad.
Santos is currently with Enzo Maresca’s side at the Club World Cup in the United States, and will surely make his first appearance in one of their remaining two group games against Flamengo or ES Tunis.
Djordje Petrovic also impressed with the Ligue 1 side, and another player who was temporarily part of their squad was Caleb Wiley.
Chelsea agree deal with Watford for Caleb Wiley loan
The American looked set for a bright campaign at Strasbourg, however Wiley suffered an injury that saw him return to Stamford Bridge.
Wiley ended up moving to Watford for the second half of last season, and now looks set to continue his time with the Championship club.
According to journalist Luca Bendoni, the two clubs have agreed on a one-year deal for the full-back to feature at Vicarage Road.
He said: “Watford and Chelsea have agreed to a 1-year loan deal for Caleb Wiley. James Abankwah will also play for Watford next season.”
Wiley achieves perfect loan move
After struggling to break into the first team squad originally, Wiley impressed Watford fans with his performances as they maintained their place in the division.
With a place in the play-offs always the aim, there is an opportunity for him to play competitive football against some top sides, including Frank Lampard’s Coventry City.
Playing alongside familiar teammates and in familiar surroundings is perfect for the youngster to hit the ground running next season, with an eye for the ‘tremendous’ (90min) youngster to impress those at Chelsea.
With only Marc Cucurella at the club as a recognised first team option in the left-back position, there is a chance for him to prove he can fulfil the role of back-up in the near future.
