The highly-rated 21-year-old striker has had an outstanding season with Championship side Middlesbrough on loan from Chelsea FC – winning the Championship Player of the Year award in addition to scoring 19 goals in all competitions – and has now earned himself a loan move to the country’s top divsion
Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho signed Colombian international Radamel Falcao on loan following the departure of Blues legend Didier Drogba, ending any hopes that youngster Patrick Bamford might have had of being involved in the club’s first-team squad for the 2015-2016 campaign.
A Premier League loan, however, was widely thought to be the best move for the Englishman’s fledgling career, and it appears as though the England U21 international will get just that.
Crystal Palace set to sign the Chelsea FC youngster on loan
Alan Pardew’s side – who were reportedly chasing Frenchman LoA?c R my this summer – have made one of the signings of the summer in former Newcastle United star Yohan Cabaye, and it seems as though their impressive recruitment is set to continue.
According to English newspaper The Guardian, Chelsea FC striker Patrick Bamford is set to sign with the Eagles on a season-long loan. Boro boss Aitor Karanka reportedly wanted the youngster back at the Riverside, but Mourinho wanted Bamford to test himself playing against the country’s best.
Chelseaa s Patrick Bamford seals year-long loan to Crystal Palace | @SunSteveBrenner http://t.co/pp8UlxTLOI (Pic: Rex) pic.twitter.com/FFa0C8m0qt
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a Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) July 20, 2015
The report also claims that Bamford – who is entering the last year of his contract – is likely to sign a new long-term deal with Chelsea FC before joining up with Pardew’s side for pre-season training.
Ideal career move for Bamford
A loan to Crystal Palace is arguably the best move for Bamford at his current level of ability. Had he stayed at Chelsea FC this season, it was unlikely that he would get significant playing time, whilst another loan to the Championship might not have been as beneficial.
The 21-year-old – who can also play in an attacking midfield position – will not find it easy to establish himself in the Palace first team, and will likely have to make an impression in the minutes he does get on the pitch.
The loan move, however, gives the Englishman the right platform to have a potentially breakthrough season and prove himself on a bigger stage. Thus far, Bamford has been able to elevate his game with each progressive loan move – from MK Dons in League One to Derby Country in the Championship, and then Middlesbrough at the top end of England’s second division.
With Radamel Falcao at the club only on a season-long loan, a breakthrough season for Bamford in the Premier League would ensure that Chelsea FC and Mourinho include him as part of the Blues’ first-team squad for the 2016-2017 season.