Left-back, Ben Chilwell has departed Chelsea to join Crystal Palace on loan for the remainder of 2024-25 season.
Chilwell had struggled with injuries in recent seasons but found himself not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans following the Italian’s arrival as manager last summer, with late attempts by Chelsea to move him out on loan having proved futile.
The England international eventually made just one appearance under Maresca, which came as a half-time substitute for Malo Gusto in the Blues’ Third Round win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup in late September.
Following four months without any senior action, Chilwell accepted a loan move to Palace who had previously loaned Trevoh Chalobah in the first half of the campaign, until the centre-back was recalled in mid-January due to a defensive injury crisis.
Speaking upon confirmation of his loan move, Chilwell expressed his delight at his opportunity to join Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.
“I’m very excited to be here. Crystal Palace are a club that’s going in a great direction. You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team’s playing, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here.”
Palace Chairman, Steve Parish added that Chilwell will bring experience to the team for the rest of the season.
“Ben has experience at the highest level of European and international football. I’m delighted that he has joined us on loan, and we believe he will prove to be a great addition to the squad.”
Chilwell could make his debut for Palace away at Doncaster in their Fourth Round tie in this season’s FA Cup on Monday 10 February in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off, before his home bow at Selhurst Park against Everton on Saturday 15 February at 5:30pm.
The move marks a temporary exit for Chilwell who has scored nine goals in 107 appearances for Chelsea since he joined from Leicester, where he had graduated through the Foxes’ Academy and gone on to net four goals in 123 appearances across five seasons amidst a loan spell at Huddersfield in 2015-16 season.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell helped Chelsea win 2020-21 UEFA Champions League title, which was followed by the 2021 UEFA Super Cup just months after the Champions League success.
Chilwell has also scored one goal in 21 senior appearances for England, having graduated through their youth ranks.
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