The high-rated teenager recently put pen to paper on a new contract, which will tie him to the club till the summer of 2021
Chelsea announced on their official website that the Englishman had recently extended his association with the club by a signing a new deal with the Blues. This new contract extends his previous contract by another 2 years and is likely to include better incentives as well.
Jake, who turns 20 in September, was an integral part of the England U20 team that won the U20 World Cup in Korea last month. He started and played the entirety of 4 of their 7 games, including their final against Venezuela which ended 0-1 in favour of the young Lions.
He joined Chelsea as an Under-9 and swiftly progressed through the ranks. He was a part of the seemingly indomitable Chelsea youth sides that won 3 consecutive FA Youth Cups between 2013 to 2016 and also back to back UEFA Youth Leagues between 2014 to 2016.
He was rewarded with his Chelsea debut in the 2015/16 season by Guus Hiddink, following his exploits in the reserves. In April 2016, the then 18-year-old was brought on as a substitute in their 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa in the 74th minute.
At the start of the following season, he was sent out on loan to League One side Bristol Rovers, in a bid to gain some experience and further his development. However, it didn’t go according to plan for the youngster and after a decent start, and injury to his arm would completely derail his season.
He made 11 appearances for Darrell Clarke’s side across all competition, before the injury sustained during Bristol Rovers’ 5-1 loss at the hand of Charlton Athletic in November would keep him out until March next year. He would make only 5 more League appearances for the Pirates.
Back in April 2016 after Jake made his first team debut, John Terry once stated that he hoped Salter would one day take his place in the heart of their defence, but it is highly unlikely that he may get an opportunity to do that at Stamford Bridge any time soon.
He is likely to be sent out on loan as Chelsea already have the likes of Luiz, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Zouma and now Rudiger and Christensen as well. But this extension will likely come as a confidence boost for the 19-year-old center-back, who will be buoyed by the Blues’ faith in him.
There should be no shortage of suitors for the 19-year-old, but as we have seen before, only a seldom few return after numerous loan spells to be given an opportunity at Chelsea and only time will tell whether Jake Clarke-Salter can one day live up to John Terry’s expectations.
