Brazil's Santos Angelo Gabriel celebrates after scoring a goal. (Photo by NATACHA PISARENKO/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Football.London, Angelo Gabriel has successfully completed a season-long loan spell to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg after the Blues’ owner company, Clearlake Capital, purchased major stakes in the Ligue 1 club.
Gabriel was signed from Santos for £13 million, and there was a plan for him to be sent on a loan move to Strasbourg. He was one of the standout performers in pre-season among the youngsters, leading some to question if he will be allowed to leave or if he will be kept for first-team participation.
He featured in a couple of games in a pre-season tour of the USA and also had an assist to his name in Chelsea’s opening game against Wrexham, which they won 5-0.
A loan move to Ligue 1, where he can establish himself and later return to Chelsea in the foreseeable future, will be a good decision for the 18-year-old. Speaking about the transfer, Strasbourg’s President Mark Keller said (h/t Football.London):
“Yes it’s true. As soon as Chelsea bought him, we immediately positioned ourselves to bring him on loan to Strasbourg. We lost a few days, since he made a strong impression at the Chelsea internship in the United States, he was very good. We spoke with Chelsea leaders, and we obtained his loan.
“We are very happy to welcome this young player, who is not even 19 years old and who has already played more than 120 games with Santos. He has an incredible freshness, he laughs with everyone.”
These are positive words that will be music to the ears of Chelsea fans. They would have wanted to see him in action in west London this season given how exciting he is down the flanks. But a loan move is perhaps for the best.
Moreover, it seems that he has gone to a trusted club that will take care of him, and his development and hand him meaningful playing time. Under Patrick Vieira, the teenager can learn a lot.
Gabriel might fill in for Noni Madueke on the right wing, but Chelsea believe he needs more exposure to European football. The 18-year-old is a self-assured player who doesn’t hesitate to challenge defenders, and his preseason performance further demonstrated that he offers positive characteristics that are poised to make him an elite player.
It is a practical move on his part because if he had stayed at Chelsea, he might have played fewer games, which would have stunted his development. Moreover, the Blues have enough players to take care of for now. It is okay if a few of them are sent elsewhere to develop and return with experience.
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