The Pride of London
Fansided

Breaking down each loanee from Chelsea Women’s extensive loan army

By Caden Charpentier

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 2: Renate Jansen of FC Twente Women celebrates 1-3 with Wieke Kaptein of FC Twente Women during the EURO match between Ajax v Fc Twente at the De Toekomst on September 2, 2023 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 2: Renate Jansen of FC Twente Women celebrates 1-3 with Wieke Kaptein of FC Twente Women during the EURO match between Ajax v Fc Twente at the De Toekomst on September 2, 2023 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 2: Wieke Kaptein of FC Twente and Renate Jansen of FC Twente pose with the Supercup Trophy after the Dutch Women’s KNVB Supercup match between AFC Ajax and FC Twente at Sportpark De Toekomst on September 2, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 2: Wieke Kaptein of FC Twente and Renate Jansen of FC Twente pose with the Supercup Trophy after the Dutch Women’s KNVB Supercup match between AFC Ajax and FC Twente at Sportpark De Toekomst on September 2, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images) /

Wieke Kaptein

Club: FC Twente

Just a few months ago, Wieke Kaptein became the youngest Dutch player in its history to be called up to a World Cup roster. Now, she is viewed as one of the most promising pieces to the future of Hayes’ team. Just analyzing her on surface level, it is incomprehensible that Kaptein is just 18 years old. She signed a four-year contract with the west London outfit a few weeks ago, and is set to continue her rise at FC Twente in the Vrouwen Eredivisie.

The youngster has already experienced two full campaigns of senior football, accumulating over 3,000 minutes and eight goal contributions over that span. The box to box midfielder has to be considered one of the most established players that will be going out on loan this campaign. This is a player every fan of the west London outfit should consider watching during an off day. Kaptein is a true all around midfielder that has produced solid production both defensively and going forward before turning 19.

Alejandra Bernabe

Club: Real Sociedad

It seems like decades ago that the Spaniard Alejandra Bernabe made her move official with the Blues before heading back to her home country. The attacking-minded wing back has been out on loan the last two seasons. 2023/2024 will be her second with Real Sociedad.

Even with significantly less playing time, Bernabe has showed glimpses of promise flying down the flank. With the full-back talent within the first team in west London right now, the Spanish international will have to be patient if she wants to make her mark in blue. She started in 16 of her 21 league contests with Sociedad last season. The 21-year-old is prepared to build off that with the hope that her offensive mindset leads to more goal contributions.

Her club is coming off an uncharacteristic eighth place finish in Liga F after finishing behind Barcelona the campaign prior. The Spanish top-flight will resume action this weekend as the league and its players finally came to an agreement on minimum pay. Bernabe and the 2019 Copa de la Reina winners begin their journey to return into the top-three with a meeting into the south of Spain against Granada.

Charlotte Wardlaw

Club: Glasgow City

Coming off the back of an interesting 2022/2023 with two clubs, west London defender/midfielder Charlotte Wardlaw has traveled north to Scotland. This will be the English youth international’s third campaign on loan since signing her first professional contract in June 2021. Glasgow City’s No. 22 joined on August 15, and most recently played a part in all 90 minutes of the 5-0 drubbing of Scottish Premier League side Hamilton.

Similar to two of her fellow west London loan army members, Wardlaw will be moving onto the second round of Champions League qualifiers. After somewhat of an up and down campaign in England, this is a massive few months ahead for the 20-year-old. Her ability to play in the middle of the park and the center of the defense could be critical in Glasgow’s hope of hoisting a 17th Scottish top-flight title.

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