Harvey Vale (21), described by coach Joey Barton as a “phenomenal” player, is in Anderlecht’s sights. This Chelsea talent, formerly voted Academy Player of the Year, combines versatility, work ethic and an exemplary physique, inspired by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. Vale can play as a left-back, midfielder and winger, and is also attracting interest from Heerenveen and Sunderland ahead of the winter transfer window.
Harvey Vale (21) is a product of Chelsea’s famous Cobham academy, but is struggling to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
The young player’s contract expires at the end of the season, and it seems unlikely that the club will offer him an extension, despite the interest he attracted last summer. Chelsea have placed Vale on the transfer market for a permanent move in January. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Vale is interested in three clubs for the winter transfer window.
Two other clubs interested
“I understand that Harvey Vale is attracting interest from Anderlecht, Heerenveen and Sunderland,” Jacobs communicated on X. Vale represents an interesting option for Anderlecht thanks to his great versatility. He can play as left back, left midfielder and even left winger.
Harvey Vale has won Chelsea’s prestigious Academy Player of the Year award. Past winners of the award include now well-known names in football, such as Reece James, Dominic Solanke, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.
Some academy members believe Vale should have stayed closer to Enzo Maresca’s first team after his failed transfer this summer, although he was not given the same opportunities as Tyrique George or Josh Acheampong.
Those around Vale are convinced that he has the qualities to play in the Premier League, having already played matches with the Chelsea first team under Thomas Tuchel, before being loaned to Hull City and Bristol Rovers.
Already on sale last summer
This summer the club considered a permanent sale – with Steven Gerrard-led Al-Ettifaq among those interested – but no transfer was completed in time.
Harvey Vale spent last season on loan at League One club Bristol Rovers. Coach Joey Barton called him a “phenomenal” player.
Performance coach Tom Joyce, who worked with Vale, describes him as a dedicated and hard-working player. Joyce predicts that Vale can progress in the Premier League if he maintains his consistency and continues to work hard.
Inspired by CR7
Vale has great passing accuracy and an exceptional shot, and he takes inspiration from his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. When he was younger, Vale even begged his mother to change his name to Ronaldo.
Following Ronaldo’s example, Vale improved his fitness, gaining muscle mass and becoming a dominant figure in the dressing room.
