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Report: Chelsea youngster Martell Taylor-Crossdale set for Hoffenheim switch amid Aston Villa and Southampton rumours

Jay Williams

Tue 18 June 2019 9:45, UK

Chelsea striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale is jetting out to Germany to complete a permanent exit. , Taylor-Crossdale will undergo a medical with Hoffenheim ahead of his move to Germany.

Taylor-Crossdale will be leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. The Blues did offer him a new deal but have allowed him to leave as a free agent.

A host of English clubs were alerted to his situation and ready to pounce. The talented teenager was wanted by Aston Villa, Southampton and Bristol City, .

Aston Villa have just been promoted and they have signed Wesley Moraes in a big-money move. But the Villans also want another striker and Taylor-Crossdale is a promising young option.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is also looking to the future. After signing youngster Moussa Djenepo, there could be more youngsters moving to the south coast.

But it looks like Taylor-Crossdale will be heading to Hoffenheim instead. The Bundesliga club could see him as a direct replacement for fellow English starlet Reiss Nelson, who spent last season on loan from Arsenal.

The 19-year-old, who scored netted seven goals for Chelsea’s U23 team but never made a senior appearance. He is now joining the growing trend of young English players moving abroad for game time.

TBR’s view

Leaving Chelsea is a sensible career move for Taylor-Crossdale, whose route to the first-team blocked. Others have moved abroad to get senior playing time under their belt and Taylor-Crossdale could be the next to follow in that career path.

The England U20 starlet was prolific for Chelsea at U18 level but now needs to make the transition to first-team football. If he realises his full potential, Aston Villa and Southampton could end up regretting not pursuing a free transfer.