Nathaniel Chalobah has today (Thursday) joined Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.
Chalobah, who can play in midfield or the centre of defence, was first involved with Chelsea’s first team as a 15-year-old in September 2010, when he was named among the substitutes for our League Cup clash against Newcastle United.
The versatile 19-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he made 12 appearances and scored twice.
He also enjoyed an impressive season-long loan at Watford during 2012/13, where he worked under the guidance of Gianfranco Zola and played a pivotal role as they reached the Championship play-off final.
Chalobah played 42 matches for the Hornets and was named the Football League’s Young Player of the Month for April.
He returned to Chelsea in the summer and was part of the first team squad which travelled to Asia for our Here to Play, Here to Stay Tour, playing a part in all three matches.
In August, Chalobah, who captained our Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory in 2011/12, signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
At international level, he is a regular for England Under-21s and was part of the squad which took part in last summer’s European Championships.
He joins Kenneth Omeruo who is also on loan at Middlesbrough. The club is currently 13th in the Championship table.