Future Drogba? Chelsea Set To Complete Transfer Of 19 Goals 4 Assists Striker

Chelsea have allowed young striker Patrick Bamford join Crystal Palace on a year-long loan deal, the Guardian reports.

Bamford, who was named the Championship player of the year following an impressive season in which he scored – for the Riverside club – against Manchester City in an FA Cup fixture in January, will now be plying his trade at the London club for the 2015-16 season.

The aforementioned source says the 21-year old had a medical at Selhurst Park on Monday before a move to Alan Pardew’s side who have had a near successful transfer window after seeing France international, Yohan Cabaye join the club from PSG for £13 million.

Bamford has been pursued by a host of clubs after his starring role at the Boro last term, scoring 19 goals in 44 appearances, which almost propelled the Aitor Karanka-led side to the Premier League. However,  they lost to Norwich in the play-off final in May.

Karanka wanted to take the young Englishman on loan, but Jose Mourinho had another plan to let him test himself in the Premier League in preparation for a Chelsea first-team future.

The decision to let Bamford play for a Premier League club on loan is brilliant though. The player’s ambition is to lead the line for Chelsea in the very near future, therefore the Crystal Palace loan move is perfect.

As Metro observes (rightly), this is great news for Bamford, Crystal Palace and Chelsea as the player takes the next step on his footballing journey.

Getting into the Chelsea first-team squad requires is a  herculean task and practically impossible, even though the 21-year old won the Championship player last season.

Having proven himself in the lower leagues with Nottingham Forest, Milton Keynes Dons, Derby and Middlesbrough, a loan to a Premier League club will be a huge step up for his career.

Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao are the probable Chelsea strikers for next season, and Bamford can not have a chance against these trio. Hence, the Crystal Palace loan makes a whole lot of sense. It is hoped that Bamford will go on and excel with the Eagles under Alan Pardew’s tutelage.