The 20-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Bluebirds during their promotion-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals
Omari Kellyman during his loan spell with Cardiff City (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Cardiff City face a major fight to bring Omari Kellyman back to the club after Chelsea decided the highly-rated youngster will spend next season out on loan once again.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Bluebirds during their promotion-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals as Brian Barry-Murphy’s side secured an immediate return to the Championship.
However, Cardiff are unlikely to have a clear run at re-signing the attacker, with interest already emerging from Championship rivals and clubs across Europe.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have decided Kellyman will head out on loan again next season as the Premier League giants continue to oversee his development away from Stamford Bridge.
The report adds that Championship clubs and teams on the continent have already expressed an interest in securing his services.
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That news will alert Cardiff, who are known admirers of the England youth international and would doubtless relish the opportunity to bring him back to south Wales following a breakthrough campaign.
Kellyman arrived at Cardiff last summer looking to rebuild his career after a nightmare spell with injuries. Having suffered a double hamstring injury that required surgery, he had barely played football for more than a year before linking up with the Bluebirds.
But he quickly became one of Barry-Murphy’s most important attacking weapons. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Whether operating on the right flank, as a No.10 or through the middle, Kellyman’s versatility and eye for goal made him a key figure as Cardiff secured promotion.
His return of 11 goals and two assists in 36 League One appearances represented an outstanding first full season in senior football and only strengthened Chelsea’s belief that they have a player with significant potential on their hands.
The prospect of another loan has long appeared the most likely outcome.
Back in April, Football.London’s Chelsea correspondent Bobby Vincent told WalesOnline that a second spell at Cardiff made perfect sense for all parties.
“I think another loan would be best for Kellyman,” he said.
“Even though Chelsea are in dire form at the time of writing, their squad is very competitive. Trying to get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge might be too tough of an ask at the moment.
“Another loan seems a no-brainer and I think the likely option.”
Asked specifically about a return to Cardiff, Vincent added: “That is the obvious thing to do, isn’t it? Surely.
“As long as Cardiff will have him back, then it seems silly for him to move anywhere else.
“It seems as if he has really enjoyed his time in Wales, so moving him out of that environment would seem silly.”
Cardiff, though, will hope they have an advantage on the rest of the field.
Barry-Murphy and assistant coach Lee Riley enjoy a strong relationship with Chelsea recruitment chief Joe Shields, forged during their time together in Manchester City’s academy system. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
But with Kellyman’s stock now significantly higher than it was 12 months ago, Cardiff will not be alone in the race.
The Championship is expected to provide plenty of suitors, while Chelsea have also regularly used sister club Strasbourg as a destination for some of their brightest young prospects.
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