Ryan Bertrand’s Loan Made Permanent By Southampton

After watching their under-21’s lose 5-3 to Chelsea’s u21 side, Southampton found a bit of solace on transfer deadline day as they made Ryan Bertrand’s loan deal permanent, signing the former Chelsea left back to a four-and-a-half year contract.

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The 25-year-old came up through Chelsea FC‘s academy ranks — and Gillingham’s youth set up before that — and earned his first senior cap for the Blues in April of 2011. He went on to have a decent career as a back-up and hopeful-successor to Ashley Cole. Unfortunately, the move to starter didn’t pan out and a never-ending series of loans allowed César Azpilicueta to come in and eventually take over the vacant left back spot.

Bertrand made 57 career appearances during his his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring two goals. Out of those caps, his most famous run-out in a Chelsea shirt was the 2012 Champions League final in Munich. As all Chelsea fans remember, Bertrand was used out of position as a left winger in that match, and his selflessness and hard work were vital in helping the Blues’ reach first ever Champions League trophy.

OFFICIAL: @ryanbertrand3 joins #SaintsFC on a four-and-a-half-year deal from @ChelseaFC after a successful loan. pic.twitter.com/oX8QP6dB5s
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 2, 2015

Now, as one chapter ends a new one begins for Ryan Bertrand. The England international was loaned to Southampton at the beginning of this season to fill a vital role for the club as talented youngster Luke Shaw left for Manchester United. Bertrand has excelled since his move to the south coast, helping the Saints reach fourth place in the Premier League table, currently.

Bertrand has been one of the most consistent players on a team that is currently one of the biggest surprises of this season. Ronald Koeman has taken a team ravaged by bigger clubs during the off season and found a way to make them even better than before. Bringing in players like Graziano Pellè, Dušan Tadić, Sadio Mané, Eljero Elia, and not least of all Ryan Bertrand, has catapulted the loveable underdogs to unexpected heights.

So far this season, Bertand has made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, while adding two goals and two assists to his name. He has been instrumental in their exciting rise and is sure to continue his solid performances — after he serves his red-card ban, of course.