Huddersfield Town have completed the loan signing of Kasey Palmer from Chelsea.
The young midfielder, one of a string of hot prospects to come off Chelsea's highly regarded Academy production line, had other offers on the table but has chosen to progress his career at the John Smith's Stadium .
We asked Ryan Darby, from the website Read Chelsea, exactly what Town can expect from the 19-year-old....
"Palmer, who can play behind the striker or off the wing is not one to shy away in the big games" - Ryan Darby
"If the move goes through, Palmer will join Huddersfield Town off the back of defending both the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League titles, and will arrive with heaps of confidence. The attacking midfielder is very highly rated within the Chelsea academy and has starred throughout the youth sides in recent seasons.
"Despite being just 19 years of age, he will join Wagner’s squad with some pedigree. After joining Chelsea from Charlton at the age of 16, he’s already lifted two FA Youth Cups, two UEFA Youth Leagues and has a U21 Premier League title to his name.
"To add to that list, over the summer he became a fully fledged England U21 international, being named in the squad that triumphed in the Toulon Tournament, along with four Chelsea teammates.
"He’s yet to receive his first-team debut at Stamford Bridge but was named on the bench against Swansea in the latter stages of last season under Guus Hiddink, who attempted to include more youngsters into the squad.
"The 2015-16 season was a personal highlight for Palmer as he cemented himself as a key player for the Blues’ U21s side. He managed to score 16 goals in 30 appearances, and Huddersfield fans will be pleased to know, they weren’t just tap-ins - Palmer has been well known to strike from range.
"Huddersfield fans may remember him finding the top corner during a 6-1 win in the 2014-15 season and this strike against Southampton is a particular stand-out effort.
"Palmer, who can play behind the striker or off the wing is not one to shy away in the big games either. He scored in the semi-final and final of the UEFA Youth League, netting the winning goal for the Blues to seal a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
"As well as being able to find the net from range, he’s got plenty of tricks up his sleeves too, just ask Manchester United’s Phil Jones.
"The 19-year-old will become the latest addition to Chelsea’s ‘loan army’ but the club will be keeping a close eye on his developments in the Championship. The likes of Patrick Bamford and Nathan Ake have both enjoyed fruitful spells in England’s second tier and will be hoping that Palmer can have a similar impact.
"A move to the Championship will be a real test for Palmer, he’ll need to adapt to the demands of senior football quickly.
"Only time will tell if the former Charlton man can be a success at the John Smith’s Stadium. He will need to work hard but he’ll also require a slice of freedom within the team, to roam and come inside from the wing to get himself into the positions that he can be so effective in."
