20-year-old Chelsea youngster is close to joining EFL club on loan
Chelsea youngster Bashir Humphreys is close to joining Swansea City on a season-long loan.
That is according to a report from the BBC.
They claim that Championship side Swansea are closing in on a deal to sign Bashir Humphreys on a temporary basis.
It is explained that the 20-year-old Blues defender is expected to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge before moving to the Liberty Stadium for the 2023/24 season.
The Evening Standard claimed a few days ago that Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been really impressed by Humphreys during this summer’s pre-season schedule. They mentioned Coventry City as a possible loan destination for him this season, but it looks like he’ll be joining Championship rivals Swansea.
The young centre-back looked really comfortable alongside first-team stars during the pre-season tour of the United States, so we’re expecting big things from him when he drops down into the English Football League.
It’ll be his second spell away from Stamford Bridge on loan, spending a brief stint in Germany with Paderborn last year.
Our feeling is he can genuinely push closer to Chelsea’s senior squad with a standout year at Swansea.
Humphreys, who’s a composed defender that is great with both feet, should be a raging success at Swansea.
So, could be become the latest academy graduate from Cobham to go and become a senior professional?
It’s great news that the centre-half has had the opportunity to grab Pochettino’s attention in the past month, so eyes will now be on him to see how he fares on loan.
Our warning to Chelsea’s aspiring young centre-backs is you’ll need real quality to break into competition at Stamford Bridge that currently includes Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana.
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Sarmiento learns new role as Corberan rotates defence – West Brom predicted XI v Swansea City – gallery
Here’s how we predict West Bromwich Albion to line up for Saturday’s game against Swansea City in the Championship.
West Bromwich Albion are in home Championship action for the first time this season as they take on fellow playoff hopefuls Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
Returning to The Hawthorns for the first competitive fixture of 2023/24, Carlos Corberan and his men will be eager to bounce back after two successive defeats on the road.
Two 2-1 losses – one at Blackburn Rovers in the league and then another at Stoke City in the Carabao Cup – have lowered the confidence a little but the presence of home supporters should help buoy Albion.
It won’t be an easy encounter as Swansea have a solid core to their side including the likes of Ben Cabango, Matt Grimes and Jöel Piroe. They did fail to beat Birmingham City last weekend, though.
Typically set up in a back five, the Swans could counteract the Baggies effectively if Corberan opts for a three as he did at Stoke. For that reason, we think it’ll be a flat four on Saturday.
With that in mind, flick through the pages to see the 11 players we think will get the nod from the off, as well as a brief explanation for each inclusion.
1. GK – Alex Palmer
Claims back his spot between the sticks after a runout for Griffiths in the cup.
2. RB – Darnell Furlong
Expected to be the number one choice at right-back throughout much of the season.
3. CB – Semi Ajayi
Corberan is still yet to figure out his preferred defensive partnership, so we think more rotation awaits.
4. CB – Erik Pieters
Looked like the best defender in a poor performance on Tuesday and could get the nod ahead of Taylor and Kipre.
5. LB – Conor Townsend
Played a bit further forward as a wing-back in the cup but a back four offers more solidity against a strong Swansea side.
6. CM – Okay Yokuslu
The Turk’s presence was missed from the start in Albion’s defeat at Stoke, so he’ll be welcomed back into the XI with open arms.
7. CM – Alex Mowatt
Impressed with an assist and some decent ball-carrying midweek. Did make one big mistake but could just about edge into the team ahead of Chalobah.
8. CAM – John Swift
Hasn’t started the season particularly well but we think Corberan will keep the faith in Swift, ahead of Molumby.
9. RW – Jeremy Sarmiento
We’re backing the Brighton loanee to earn his first start after some bright sparks off the bench in two consecutive games.
10. LW – Matt Phillips
Looked sharp and scored at Blackburn with a thunderous, curling effort. Being on the left means Sarmiento heads onto the right.
11. ST – Brandon Thomas-Asante
Showed plenty of desire and got a deserved goal at Stoke. Lots will want to see Josh Maja, but an appearance is more likely off the bench.
