Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has completed a move across London to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old spent the 2014-15 campaign out on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, including 17 in the Championship.
Bamford’s fine form had convinced many fans and pundits that he was ready for a run in Chelsea’s first team, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho clearly remained unconvinced.
Nevertheless, the chance to demonstrate his talents in the Premier League with Palace is still a fitting reward for a player who dazzled in England’s second tier.
Bamford is likely to be a regular starter at Selhurst Park, with Glenn Murray and Dwight Gayle as competition.
“I was quite keen to stay close to London this time and Palace were actually my first choice,” Bamford told Palace’s official website.”But I didn’t realise they were keen to start with. Then, when I met with the manager, he put forward his plans and it was an easy decision.”
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