Chelsea starlet Omari Kellyman could be set for a loan move to EFL League One club Birmingham City.
Birmingham City are making a last-minute push to secure a loan deal for Chelsea’s highly-rated young midfielder Omari Kellyman, according to Football Insider. The 18-year-old, who only joined Chelsea earlier this summer in a £19 million move from Aston Villa, is now being lined up for a temporary switch to Birmingham as the League One club looks to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes.
Kellyman’s arrival at Chelsea in June marked a significant step in his burgeoning career. The young midfielder, who signed a six-year contract with the Blues, has been identified as a potential future star.
However, with competition fierce at Stamford Bridge, Kellyman is not expected to break into the first-team setup this season and has primarily featured for the Under-23s in Premier League 2. A loan move to Birmingham could provide him with the regular first-team experience necessary for his development.
Kellyman’s Journey: From Aston Villa to Chelsea
Omari Kellyman’s journey to Chelsea began with his development at Derby County’s academy, where he spent 10 years honing his skills. In March 2022, Aston Villa recognized his potential and secured his services for £600,000. Kellyman quickly impressed at Aston Villa, making his professional debut in a 3-0 UEFA Conference League win over Hibernian in August 2023. Despite his promise, the teenager made only five more appearances for Villa before Chelsea swooped in with a big-money offer.
Now at Chelsea, Kellyman is seen as one for the future, but with limited opportunities for first-team action this season, a loan move to Birmingham City could be the perfect next step. Birmingham, currently competing in League One, are looking to strengthen their squad as they aim for an immediate return to the Championship. Chris Davies’s side has started the season strongly, winning two and drawing one of their opening three games, and the addition of Kellyman could provide a further boost.
Birmingham’s Loan Pursuit: A Race Against Time
Birmingham City’s interest in Kellyman comes as the club looks to capitalise on the final hours of the transfer window. The League One side are keen to add the attacking midfielder to their ranks, but they are up against the clock with the window set to close at 11 p.m. on Friday. Should the deal go through, Kellyman would bring creativity and flair to Birmingham’s midfield, potentially playing a key role in their promotion push.
The move would also benefit Kellyman, offering him valuable playing time at a competitive level and the chance to further develop his game. For Birmingham, securing a player of Kellyman’s calibre, even on loan, would be a significant coup as they look to build on their strong start to the season.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Birmingham City’s pursuit of Omari Kellyman represents a strategic move to strengthen their squad with a talented young player. For Chelsea, sending Kellyman out on loan would provide him with the experience needed to continue his development, while Birmingham would gain an exciting attacking option as they aim for promotion. Whether the deal can be finalised in time remains to be seen, but it could prove to be a beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.