Sunderland FC has emerged as the frontrunner to sign Chelsea midfielder Harvey Vale according to journalist Ben Jacobs, with the 21-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge entering its final six months. The Championship club faces competition from Belgium's Anderlecht and Dutch side Heerenveen, who have also expressed strong interest in acquiring the versatile player during the January transfer window.
Transfer interest heats up
Sitting fourth in the Championship table, Sunderland's pursuit of Vale has gained momentum under head coach Régis Le Bris, who seeks to bolster his attacking options due to injury concerns within the squad. Vale's ability to play multiple positions - as an attacking midfielder, left-back, and winger - has made him an attractive prospect for the Black Cats.
Chelsea appears ready to negotiate a permanent transfer in January to avoid losing Vale without compensation when his contract expires. Meanwhile, both Anderlecht and Heerenveen, known for their successful development of young players, maintain ongoing discussions regarding Vale's potential transfer.
Career path and development
Vale's journey at Chelsea began in their Cobham academy, where he spent nearly a decade developing his skills. His first-team debut came in 2021, resulting in seven appearances across various competitions, including two UEFA Conference League matches under manager Enzo Maresca this season, though he still awaits his Premier League debut.
His loan experiences have shown varying degrees of success. While his time at Hull City in the 2022/23 season yielded only two Championship appearances, his spell at Bristol Rovers in League One proved more productive, where he tallied three goals and six assists across 47 matches.
Current standing and future prospects
As the current Chelsea Under-21 captain, Vale has impressed in Premier League 2 this season, contributing three goals and five assists. Despite Maresca's positive evaluation of his abilities, first-team opportunities at Chelsea have remained limited.
A move to Sunderland could provide Vale with regular Championship football, crucial for his development. Alternatively, the interest from Anderlecht and Heerenveen offers him the chance to gain valuable experience in European football.