Chelsea have agreed to a deal for the transfer of defender, Ishe Samuels-Smith to League One club Notts County on a season-long loan, as reported by football.london.
The 20-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea’s academy from Everton in 2023, is poised to join the Magpies for the upcoming season in search of regular first-team opportunities.
An agreement has been reached between Chelsea and the third-tier club regarding Samuels-Smith, who has also settled personal terms for his move to Meadow Lane.
Sources close to the young player believe that Notts County represents an ideal loan destination, given that Martin Paterson’s team plays a style of football that aligns with Chelsea’s preferences.
Samuels-Smith made only six appearances during a disappointing loan spell with Championship side Swansea City last season, which was marred by injuries.
He has nearly fully recovered from quadriceps surgery he underwent in April. Initially, the plan was for Samuels-Smith to participate in Xabi Alonso’s first-team training group before their recent pre-season tour; however, he was unable to recover in time to join the sessions.
In other news, Omari Kellyman is considering his options ahead of a likely loan move for the upcoming season.
The 20-year-old playmaker was included in Alonso’s squad for their recent four-country tour and participated in two of Chelsea’s five matches abroad.
Kellyman was a last-minute addition to the squad due to injuries sustained by Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha just a day before the Blues departed for Sydney for the first leg of their tour.
The intention is for Kellyman to go out on loan for the upcoming season, and following a successful stint at Cardiff City last term, the former Aston Villa player has several potential suitors.
However, Kellyman reportedly prefers a move abroad, and sources close to him emphasise that a decision will not be made hastily before the transfer deadline next month.