Merchandise
Chelsea’s partnership with Vitesse Arnhem is great news for the Blues
Chelsea been using this system aggressively in recent years as part of a strategy that saw more than 20 players leave Stamford Bridge on loan last season.
The European part of this is dominated by Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem. Chelsea have been working with Vitesse Arnhem since 2010, regularly sending players on loan there as part of a close relationship.
A relationship that has been investigated by the Dutch FA due to just how closely the two clubs have been working together and the influence of Chelsea have exerted. There have even been accusations that the loans had worked too well and that the Blues ordered the Dutch club not to qualify for the Champions League.
Apart from a place to send youth players such as Josh McEachran and Lewis Baker, the Dutch club has another benefit for players Chelsea have signed from outside the EU.
Young players outside the EU struggle to get work permits to play in England due to Premier League regulations. With Dutch clubs having an easier to navigate work permit system than the Premier League, Arnhem is also a decent parking place for talented players signed from non EU countries that Chelsea have signed.
The players get playing experience in Europe, whilst they build the criteria needed to qualify for a British work permit. Worst case the player builds value whilst playing for Arnhem, so the Blues can make money on a player without them ever setting foot on Stamford Bridge.
This system may be controversial but it forms an important part of the Blues successful transfer policy. These have in recent years have seen them sail through fair play regulations and be successful on the pitch.
