Transfer: Chelsea agree deal for Samuels-Smith
Chelsea Transfers Defender on Loan to Notts County
Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement to send defender Ishe Samuels-Smith on a season-long loan to League One club Notts County, according to reports from football.london.
The 20-year-old Samuels-Smith, who joined Chelsea’s academy from Everton in 2023, seeks regular first-team opportunities with the Magpies for the upcoming season. Both clubs have finalized the details of the loan, and Samuels-Smith has also agreed to personal terms with Notts County.
Sources indicate that Notts County is considered a suitable loan destination for Samuels-Smith, as the team’s playing style aligns well with Chelsea’s approach.
Samuels-Smith had a challenging loan spell last season with Championship side Swansea City, making only six appearances due to injuries. He is nearly fully recovered from quadriceps surgery performed in April. Although initially expected to join Xabi Alonso’s first-team training group before the recent pre-season tour, he was unable to participate due to recovery issues.
In related news, Chelsea’s Omari Kellyman is evaluating his options ahead of what is likely to be another loan move for the upcoming season. The 20-year-old playmaker was included in Alonso’s squad during a recent tour spanning four countries and participated in two of the five matches played abroad.
Kellyman was a late addition to the squad, following injuries to teammates Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha just before the team departed for Sydney. The intention is for Kellyman to secure a loan after a successful stint at Cardiff City last term. While several clubs are interested in him, sources close to Kellyman indicate that he prefers a move abroad. A decision on his future is not expected to be rushed before next month’s transfer deadline.
