'Chelsea cannot do another loan' - Romano explains why Ahanor will join Crystal Palace from Atalanta
'Chelsea cannot do another loan' - Romano explains why Ahanor will join Crystal Palace from Atalanta
Chelsea are set to complete the signing of highly-rated Italian-Nigerian central defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta, but the 18-year-old will spend this season at Crystal Palace rather than immediately joining the Blues.
According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed a £40 million deal for Ahanor and have already completed the key steps of his transfer, including his medical and the signing of his contract.
However, due to Premier League regulations, Chelsea cannot send Ahanor directly to Crystal Palace on loan because Axel Disasi is already on loan at Selhurst Park.
Romano explained that Chelsea have therefore agreed a different arrangement that will see Ahanor remain an Atalanta player on paper for the 2026-27 season before completing his permanent move to Stamford Bridge in 2027.
"Crystal Palace today in London will welcome Honest Ahanor, the 18-year-old Italian defender joining from Chelsea. But what's the deal, let me explain," Romano said on his YouTube channel.
"Atalanta to Chelsea, here we go, £40 million and I confirmed that. Chelsea see a big potential in the player.
"I can reveal he was in London on Thursday to have his medical and sign his contract at Chelsea, so everything done. The player already took his pictures in a Chelsea shirt. The player signed the contract and did the medical.
"Honest is a Chelsea player. The point is that this is going to be a pre-agreement for Chelsea to sign Honest in summer 2027.
"The player is going to play in England this season because Chelsea want Honest to adapt to English football. And that club is Crystal Palace.
"How? On a loan from Atalanta, because Chelsea cannot loan any other player due to Premier League regulations, after Axel Disasi, they cannot do another loan."
Romano added that Chelsea are expected to officially unveil Ahanor as their player on July 1, 2027.
"Atalanta will loan Honest Ahanor to Crystal Palace, then, on July 1, 2027, Chelsea will unveil Honest Ahanor as a new defender.
"Everything is done, everything is agreed. Now, it's time for a medical for Honest in London, flying today, and then everything will be completed."
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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