Harvey Vale left Chelsea on a permanent basis on yesterday’s transfer deadline day to join Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
Harvey Vale, 21, developed in the Chelsea academy after joining them as an Under-13.
Sunderland were among the clubs interested in Chelsea attacker Vale, who’s been shining in the Blues U21s team this season.
However, the English talent officially joined QPR on Monday, signing a long-term contract with them.
Harvey Vale reacts to leaving Chelsea and joining QPR
In his first comments as a QPR player, Vale admitted that he needed to leave Chelsea permanently to find a home. This comes after previous loan spells with Hull City and Bristol Rovers in recent seasons.
“I am buzzing. As soon as I heard QPR were interested I wanted to get to know more. I am really excited and so happy it got over the line,” Vale told QPR’s official website.
“I feel like I need a home, I need a place to settle, I need a place to grow. That’s why I thought it was the right time.
“If I kept going on loan, you get into that cycle and you don’t really settle and find a home. Now hopefully here I have found that home.”
The bad news for QPR supporters is that their new signing is out for the rest of the 2024/25 season with an injury problem, so it’ll be a while before the Chelsea academy graduate can try take the Championship by storm.
Will Chelsea regret selling Harvey Vale?
Some at Chelsea believe Vale should’ve been closer to the first-team squad, but he’s no longer on the books and is pursuing a senior career elsewhere.
The left-footed playmaker played seven first-team games for the Blues, including two appearances this season. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca does rate Vale after coaching him occasionally this campaign, but it’s not been enough for him to stay.
Overall, Vale’s exit makes sense for all parties because aged 21 he’s not been able to quite cut the grade at Stamford Bridge.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the technical playmaker shine in the Football League once he gets himself fit and available. Chelsea supporters will keep an eye on how he does at neighbours QPR in the coming years.
It’s a shame that so many individuals from the Blues academy move on elsewhere, but it’s impossible to fit them all in. It’s important that the likes of Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have been promoted to the senior group this season, though.
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