OFFICIAL: Chelsea complete signing of England wonderkid

Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Crystal Palace winger Jesse Derry.

The 18-year-old reportedly refused to sign a professional contract with the Eagles earlier this year to pursue a new opportunity this summer. Derry had no shortage of suitors, with Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that as many as eight big European clubs had explored a move.

Indeed, at one point, Derry appeared to be on the verge of moving to Germany, but Chelsea successfully swooped in and hijacked the deal. The young winger has now officially joined the Blues on a nominal free transfer, with compensation still to be agreed.

Derry is expected to initially feature in Chelsea’s academy and has been handed the No.10 shirt. Prior to his move to Stamford Bridge, the youngster occasionally trained with the Crystal Palace first team but did not make a senior appearance under Oliver Glasner.

Chelsea have confirmed that the tricky wide player has signed a contract until 2029, which is a relatively short period of time by the West London outfit’s standards.

Chelsea sign Derry

The Blues have formally announced the arrival of Derry with a relatively succinct statement, writing: “Chelsea is pleased to announce the signing of Jesse Derry, with the 18-year-old agreeing a contract with the Blues until 2029.

“An England Under-19 international, Derry arrives at Stamford Bridge from Premier League side Crystal Palace.

“Derry made his Under-18s debut for the Eagles while still a schoolboy – and was named Palace’s Under-18s Player of the Season at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

“Last term, he featured for Palace’s Under-18s and made the step up to Under-21s football. He also represented England at this summer’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Welcome to Chelsea, Jesse!”

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