Chelsea winger, Jesse Derry has completed a season-long loan move to Sporting Lisbon for the 2026-27 campaign.
Derry’s loan switch came after the club and new Head Coach, Xabi Alonso decided to give the 19 year-old winger the best opportunity of gaining regular game time and first-team experience, which wasn’t guaranteed at the Blues this season.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I’m really looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing in front of all the fans. I can’t wait to get started. My first reaction when I heard of Sporting CP’s interest, I was very excited,” commented Derry to Sporting’s official website.
“When I think of Sporting CP, I think of players who wow the fans and young players. Coming here was a very easy decision. It means everything to be here. I know how much this club represents to Sportinguistas and I’m prepared to always give my best.
“I know that Sporting CP creates different kinds of players, capable of expressing themselves on the pitch. I feel it will be the perfect place for me,” concluded Derry.
The loan deal doesn’t contain a buy clause meaning that Derry will return to Stamford Bridge next summer, having signed a new six-year contract until June 2032.
“It’s a dream come true to commit my future to such a big club like Chelsea,’ explained Derry on signing his new contract with the Blues. “I’m just so excited for what’s to come.
“This last 12 months, I feel like a completely different player than when I first joined and that’s credit to all the coaches I’ve worked with. They’ve played such a big part in helping me get better.
“Just having that little snippet of playing for the first team last season, I couldn’t have thought of anywhere else I’d want to be for my future. It was a no-brainer.”
Last season saw Derry break through into the first team squad with three appearances, of which his first two outings came in FA Cup away wins against Hull and Wrexham in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively as substitutes.
He then made his first senior start in a 3-1 Premier League defeat against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May, in which he suffered a concussion due to a heavy collision with Forest’s Zach Abbot.
Leave a Reply