Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has officially completed a loan move to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old, who has been frozen out of Chelsea’s squad, will now have a chance to restart his Premier League career under Oliver Glasner.
Ben Chilwell’s Struggles at Chelsea
Chilwell has endured a frustrating season at Stamford Bridge, playing just 45 minutes across all competitions. Manager Enzo Maresca made it clear early on that the left-back had no place in his plans, leaving him out of Premier League squads entirely.
Despite being Chelsea’s captain in March 2024, Chilwell hasn’t started a league game in over 11 months. His move to Palace could offer him the regular football he desperately needs.
Why Did Crystal Palace Sign Ben Chilwell?
With Tyrick Mitchell as their only natural left-back, Palace needed defensive reinforcements. The club suffered a major setback when Chadi Riad was ruled out for the season, forcing Glasner to act swiftly before the transfer window closed.
Palace’s manager hinted at a new signing before their dominant 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, stating:
“I expect one more signing on a position where we have just one player playing with his good foot there. Let’s see who it will be.”
Chilwell’s First Words as a Palace Player
Speaking after the move, Chilwell expressed excitement about joining the South London club:
“Crystal Palace is a club that’s going in a great direction. You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team’s playing, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here.”
Chilwell could make his debut against Doncaster in the FA Cup as he looks to rebuild his career and help Palace push up the Premier League table.
💬 Can Chilwell revive his career at Crystal Palace? Will he regain his best form? Drop your thoughts in the comments!