Chelsea academy product, Kasey Palmer has been linked with Birmingham City who are ready to sign him on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. Palmer returned to Stamford Bridge after spending the first half of the season with Huddersfield Town. The 21-year-old has played 242 minutes under David Wagner and the Chelsea management were forced to recall the midfielder.
Palmer was quoted, “Unfortunately my time at Huddersfield has come to an end. I would like to thank everyone involved at the club but most importantly the fans for their constant support throughout my time.”
The Lewisham-born midfielder started his professional career with Charlton Athletic but was then later signed on by the Blues in March 2013. He has been capped at international level for the England U17, U18, U20 and U21 sides 10 times in total. Palmer showcased his talents for the Chelsea U23 side and won the UEFA Youth League trophy a couple of seasons back. His only taste of senior table football came under Guus Hiddink when Palmer was selected for the senior side against Swansea City in April 2016.
Pegged as one of the brightest prospects of the Chelsea youth ranks, Palmer’s career has not started on the perfect path. At 21, a player should be able to carve out a starting role in order to develop himself against proven talents, something which Palmer has failed to do and judging by the talents present in the Chelsea squad, his chances are slim or none of making it into the first team under Antonio Conte.
The former Juventus boss prefers to field N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Danny Drinkwater and Tiémoué Bakayoko in the central midfield position – all proven talents on the European stage. The club operates on a culture of sending young players out on loan and later selling them at a profit. Chelsea currently have 18 players out on loan and Palmer is about to get added to that tally.
However, all is not lost for Palmer just yet. Birmingham City, who are currently placed in the relegation scraps of the EFL Championship could use a talent like the 21-year-old ahead of the final stretch of the season. Manager, Steve Cotterill has the opportunity of saving the side from dropping down to League One by infusing a bit of talent into the club ranks. He can dish out a certain amount of quality from the middle of the park and help the side by linking up attacks better.
