Tariq Lamptey posted a farewell message to Chelsea after he completed a permanent switch to Brighton on Friday’s deadline day.
The 19-year-old defender joined Premier League side Brighton before the close of the January transfer window and will now look to make his serious first-team breakthrough with them.
He is one of the players that was developed in the Blues academy and handed a senior debut by manager Frank Lampard this season.
The right-back made his first Premier League bow in a win over Arsenal, as well as having two cameo appearances in the FA Cup.
But his contract at Stamford Bridge was due to expire in the summer and he’s now a part of Brighton’s squad.
Lamptey posted an emotional message on his official Instagram account following his exit, as he waves goodbye to a club that he joined at the age of seven.
Chelsea’s first-team duo Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi responded to the post with their good luck messages.
They both played alongside Lamtpey at youth level in successful sides and they have managed to force their way into Lampard’s plans at Stamford Bridge.
There is a real strong core of academy talents that now exist in the Chelsea first-team, but unfortunately there is only room for so many and some have to go elsewhere to pursue minutes.
Lamptey has linked up with a Brighton team sat two points above the relegation places in the Premier League and it will be intriguing to see if he’s thrown straight in at the deep end with them.
He’s clearly moved to the Amex Stadium to try speed up his career and Chelsea fans will be keen to keep a close eye on him.
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