Burton Albion have officially completed the signing of Chelsea defender Richard Nartey ona season-long loan.   

The 20-year-old is a centre-back by trade but is capable of playing in any position across the back-line and follows goalkeeper Brad Collins' 2018/19 example of moving from Stamford Bridge to the Pirelli.

"I can’t wait to get started," Nartey told the Brewers' official website.

"It’s my first loan spell and I want to get out there and experience the real game.

"I don’t even know if I can properly explain the feeling. My family are proud and they’ll come to any game they can, which isn’t a short journey."

Nartey was a regular in the Blues' reserve side last season, making 12 appearances, and also featured in the club's EFL Trophy side.

He even managed to notch a goal against future League One opponents Peterborough United with a bullet header at Stamford Bridge in a 3-1 defeat.

Chelsea are expected to hang onto many of their young and promising players this season as they brace for their transfer ban.

The likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount are all set to remain at Stamford Bridge for the majority of the 2019/20 season.

Burton will be looking to break into the top-six in League One this season having fallen just short in the previous campaign.

The verdict

This is the right move from all parties involved.

Yes, Chelsea have a transfer ban, so it could be argued that sending him out on loan is a tad reckless.

But with the likes of David Luiz, Andreas Christiansen, Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma and Ethan Ampadu all ahead of him in the pecking order, it is definitely a move they can afford to make.

And Nartey seems to be really excited to prove himself in a first-team and there are few better environments to do so than Burton.