Chelsea of England youngster, Tariq Uwakwe could take over from Blues’ colleague, Fikayo Tomori as the next Nigerian-born lad to star on loan at lower division side, Derby County, megasportsarena.com reports.
This is sequel top reports out of Queensland indicating that The Rams, who paid the wages of former Super Eagles’ defender, Taribo West several years ago, are lining up a deal that will take Uwakwe out of Stamford Bridge before the end of this month.
Derby still have fond memories of how they excelled with Tomori in the heart of their defence last season, playing under Chelsea’s current coach, Frank Lampard, in their unsuccessful bid to gain promotion to the English Premier League.
Although that effort proved fruitless, The Rams are thinking of getting fresh youthful flare from Chelsea in the second half of the ongoing campaign, hence their move to sign Uwakwe on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
Details of the report by The Sun indicates that Derby have already made formal overtures for the 20-year-old Uwakwe, who has two and a half years remaining on his current deal, which he signed with Chelsea in the summer of 2019.
Having failed to be in first team contention at Stamford Bridge, a loan move to a Championship club may be what Uwakwe needs to kick start his career, especially as the youthful midfielder would provide Derby with much needed enthusiasm and quality in the centre of the park.
The Sun reports further that Uwakwe could be moving to Pride Park on loan until the end of the current season in order to seek more first-team football, as the board at Derby have announced that they are willing to back their manager, Phillip Cocu, following a poor start to the season.
The report adds: “Uwakwe was on the radar of West Brom last season – with the Baggies having a bid turned down by Chelsea for the midfielder in January 2019. Chelsea had turned down the bid as it involved an option to buy clause, something the Blues were set against as they see a future for Uwakwe at Stamford Bridge.
“The Rams will be looking to cash in on their good working relationship with Chelsea by arranging a half-season loan. Chelsea first-team regulars Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori spent last season on loan at Derby under the management of the current Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
“The Chelsea influence left an impression on the Pride Park faithful, with Tomori winning the club’s Player of the Year award and Lampard’s side reaching the play-off final. Although Lampard traded the east Midlands club for Stamford Bridge in the summer, both parties have since openly spoke of a great professional relationship.
“A loan move would benefit all parties, with Chelsea and Uwakwe receiving valuable game time and Derby acquiring the temporary services of a hungry and talented prospect. The midfielder is described as strong, good on the ball and with an excellent work rate – something that could compliment the game of new recruit Wayne Rooney.
“Uwakwe is a versatile midfielder on the fringes of the Chelsea side – making six appearances for Chelsea’s team in Premier League 2. The 20-year-old penned a new three-year deal at Chelsea last summer and is tipped to rise to the very top. The midfielder just lacks the experience at senior level – something that Derby are expected to provide.”
