Confirmed: Chelsea complete first deadline day deal
According to latest reports at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have concluded their first piece of deadline day business with defender Jack Wakely moving to Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for the remainder of the season.
Wakely joined the Blues as an Under-9 and has progressed through the academy system, winning the FA Youth Cup, Premier Academy League and Under-18 Premier League Cup during the 2017/18 campaign.
Last term, the centre-back played 18 times for the Under-23s and helped the side clinch the Premier League 2 title on points per game under Andy Myers.
Wakely will link up with Brighton’s Under-23s and the club’s head of academy, John Morling, is pleased with the arrival of the 20-year-old.
“We wanted to bring an extra option at the centre of defence, and we are delighted Jack has agreed to join until the end of the season,” he told Brighton’s website.
“He will give us that additional competition in that area of the pitch, and over the coming months we can work with Jack and get to know him.”
The loan will be Wakely’s second away from Chelsea; the defender made 15 appearances in the Southern League with Basingstoke Town during the 2018/19 campaign.
The winter transfer window closes tonight at 11pm and Chelsea aren’t expected to be busy throughout the rest of the day.
Frank Lampard’s departure and Thomas Tuchel’s arrival has seen every member of the first-team squad given a clean slate and, as a result, no major incomings or outgoings are anticipated before tonight’s deadline.