Championship loan likely for £20m signing who has not played one minute for Chelsea

Today at 09:30 AM

Chelsea have made so many signings over the last few years that some were bound to fall into the cracks – but nobody is at greater risk than Omari Kellyman.

Everything has been against him so far: firstly he was signed at the peak of this summer's buying spree, meaning he never really got his moment in the sun.

Secondly, he's a relatively unknown player. He's well regarded at youth level, but is far less of a name than, say, Carney Chukwuemeka, whom we had bought two years before in a similar situation from the same club.

Then thirdly, he had the misfortune of arriving injured, meaning we didn't see him in preseason, and haven't seen him in the season yet either. He's now presumably fit, but buried so deep in the competition most people couldn't even tell you for sure.

Chelsea face big decisions over how to deal with another talented asset

One thing is clear – he's not getting much of a chance at Stamford Bridge this year, even in the second string. And for an 18 year old looking to break through, they need more than that.

So we're not surprised to see transfer links for January already. Football London claim we will look for a loan for the youngster – something it feels likely we would have done in the summer had he been fit.

Kellyman has made a pair of appearances for the Development Squad, but is clearly not up to speed yet. We expect him to build up his minutes there, then depart in a couple of months when the window is open.

No clubs are mentioned, but for an 18 year old looking to play regularly, we suspect the Championship or maybe even a move abroad is more likely than trying to get him into a Premier League starting XI. After paying close to £20m, his story has not had the most auspicious start.