Doug King has admitted that the loan market might be the perfect solution to “fill the gaps” in Coventry City’s squad this January when the transfer window opens for business once more.
It begs the question that, if Frank Lampard does feel the need to add a bit of “sparkle,” as King put it when the owner was asked about the prospect and possibility of strengthening at the mid-term trading point at his new head coach’s first press conference last month, will he turn to his former club, Chelsea, for help?
The 46-year-old Sky Blues head coach enhanced his Derby County team with talented youngsters from the Premier League, helping the Rams get to the Championship play-off final in his first season in management in 2018/19. Amongst those loan players were midfielder Mason Mount and defender Fikayo Tomori from the Blues development programme at the time, and attacking midfielder Harry Wilson from Liverpool, who contributed with 15 goals.
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There are a number of positions that stand out as arguably requiring competition, cover or a bit of extra quality in the Sky Blues squad, including both full-back positions, centre-half and both attacking and holding midfield.
With that in mind, here we look at five Stamford Bridge prospects, courtesy of Chelsea writer Tom Coley from our sister title Football.London, who might just fit the bill for the areas City arguably need added quality.
Richard Olise (right-back/right wing-back):
Recently named on the senior bench for the first time, Olise (brother of Bayern Munich’s Michael) is an attacking full-back. He has come back from injury and illness well for the Under-21s this season and his appearances in training with the first-team suggest he is as ready as ever for men’s football.
Richard Olise (right) of Chelsea during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training
Richard Olise (right) of Chelsea during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training
Ishe Samuels-Smith (Left-back/centre-back):
One of the best young defenders in the country. A product of the Everton youth system, Samuels-Smith is tall but elegant on the ball. He is a strong passer and looks more than capable of stepping up having signed in 2022. Hasn’t made a breakthrough at Chelsea yet.
Ishe Samuels-Smith of Chelsea and Ethan Williams of Man Utd during the U18 Premier League Final match
Ishe Samuels-Smith of Chelsea and Ethan Williams of Man Utd during the U18 Premier League Final match
Harvey Vale (attacking midfield):
The most senior name on this list, Vale spent last season in League One at Bristol Rovers. He is expected to leave Chelsea in January either permanently or on loan. He was once the jewel of Cobham and is far too good for academy football. Creative, versatile, and very good. Used at wing-back but primarily a No.10 or right-winger when not playing for Joey Barton.
Harvey Vale of Chelsea during the Premier League International Cup match between Chelsea U21s and RSC Anderlecht U21s
Harvey Vale of Chelsea during the Premier League International Cup match between Chelsea U21s and RSC Anderlecht U21s
Tyrique George (Winger):
A slight, tricky, dribbling winger. Favours the left but has been used on the right in the Conference League under Enzo Maresca. Think Ousmane Dembele but 18. Perhaps the least likely to move next month but Maresca left it open in his press conference today.
Tyrique George of Chelsea controls the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League
Tyrique George of Chelsea controls the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League
Omari Kellyman (Attacker):
Missed almost all of this season with injury but picked out for a loan when signed from Aston Villa over the summer. Tall and languid with goalscoring ability from deep - a bit Lampardian, if you will. Can play across the frontline.
Omari Kellyman during the match between Chelsea U21 v Tottenham Hotspur U21 in the Premier League 2
Omari Kellyman during the match between Chelsea U21 v Tottenham Hotspur U21 in the Premier League 2
Any take your fancy? Click HERE to have your say.
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