Chelsea’s Under-21 midfielder Lewis Baker is set to return to Vitesse Arnhem, the Dutch club, on loan this summer.
Baker joined Chelsea as a 9-year-old but has yet to make a senior start for the club. He did get an appearance from the substitute’s bench in an FA Cup match against Derby County in the 2013-2014 season, though.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and made 34 appearances. He scored five goals including one that was given the club’s ‘Goal Of The Season’ award. Before heading to Holland he also enjoyed loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons.
Speaking about his decision to head back to the Eredivisie side Baker said, “There was interest from several other clubs last summer but, together with my family and Chelsea, I have discussed the options and we all believed that another year at Vitesse was the best option. After the season I was allowed to participate in the Toulon tournament, which was a success. I want to hold that form and take it into the next season. I want to keep developing myself and improve to hopefully play a good season. And I hope to contribute to the success of the club”.
Chelsea have a good relationship with Vitesse and Baker isn’t the only player heading back to the Dutch club for a second season. His youth team-mate Nathan will also be spending another season at the GelreDome after agreeing a loan-renewal with the side.