However, reports indicate Chelsea’s interest in Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry, who can play striker or winger, at the season’s end. Since rebranding, Blues have been searching for gems to build their future stars and Derry could be the next in their ever-growing collection of future stars.
While Chelsea’s interest in developing young players is admirable, the bigger question is whether this is the right move for Derry.
Derry: Chelsea’s Next Big Thing or Another Forgotten Talent?
Yes, it’s a Stamford Bridge talent factory, but many times the Stamford Bridge talent factory has produced some of top tier players, but many times the young prospects do wander away, either loaned out endlessly, or on the bench.
It comes down to a major decision for Derry who is one of the brightest young wingers in England. Moving to Chelsea will improve training facilities, world class coaching and being able to have meals on tables with superstars. Will he get first team minutes?
Perhaps Crystal Palace could offer him a suitable path to their first team and he may want to stay where he is for now. A few years of consistent Premier League football will see him grow so much further than a string of loan spells to random clubs in Belgium or the Netherlands, or even at least Vitesse Arnhem.
Chelsea’s Master Plan: A Future Built on Young Talent?
Since Todd Boehly’s arrival, Chelsea have been playing football management simulation game: gather young talent, nurture them, cross your fingers that one or two become world class. What will happen next for Derry, with another link to this blueprint?
This is a low risk, high return move if Chelsea want to reap the benefits. If they can buy him for a reasonable price and he develops well, it could be a big bargain. But if he gets lost in their system it will just be another case of a young player being assimilated into a megaclub’s targets.
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