Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek signs for Crystal Palace on season-long loan deal
The England Under-21 international becomes Frank de Boer's first signing of the summer since taking charge of the Eagles
Sponsored by
CRYSTAL PALACE have signed Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan deal.
The 21-year-old becomes Frank de Boer's first signing for the Eagles, with the talented midfielder expressing his delight at sealing a switch to Selhurst Park.
Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me.
"I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is a good club so I thought it’s a good chance to play here and be a part of the team.
"I always remember Palace as a very strong team, they always give everything and I’d like to be a part of that this season, and give everything I've got as well."
His older half-brother Leon Court spent two seasons with the Eagles between 2006-2008 where he made 50 appearances, scoring on seven occasions.
When asked if he used to watch Palace's Player of the Year in 2007, he jokingly replied: "I didn't know he won player of the year."
The England Under-21 international has featured 32 times in all competitions for the Blues since making his first team debut against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League in December 2014.
Latest transfer news
He made three Premier League appearances that season as Chelsea romped to the title under Jose Mourinho, where he was awarded with a winners medal.
The following campaign under Mourinho and then Guus Hiddink, he played more regularly, making 17 appearances in all competitions - 13 came in the top-flight, where he netted his only league goal to date in a 4-0 romp at Aston Villa.
Last campaign he played 11 times after being promised a bigger role - managing just six substitute appearances in the Premier League under new boss Antonio Conte
He was still awarded with his second league winners medal.
De Boer will likely hand him his official debut for the club when they welcome newly promoted Huddersfield Town to London in the seasons opener on August 12.
