George Jones reports
Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm the loan signing of Jay Dasilva from Chelsea.
The versatile England U19 international will officially join us when the January transfer window opens on Sunday and has penned a deal until the end of the season.
Dasilva trained with his new teammates for the first time today [Friday] and becomes Karl Robinson’s first signing since taking over as the club’s Manager in November.
Robinson said: “Jay is somebody who has been very highly thought of in Chelsea’s academy system over the last three years or so. What he’ll give us is a real dynamic speed and a real agility in his movement.
“He’s a left footed player that can play as a winger, a wing-back and in the number 10 position. Technically, he is outstanding and we are very pleased to get this deal done right away.
“We are short on bodies at the moment and Jay will help to bolster our squad, as well as the move aiding his development.”
Jay Dasilva said: “I’m delighted to sign here on loan until the end of the season and I cannot wait to get started. This is my first loan move, so I’m itching to get going and I’m looking forward to getting familiar with everything around here.
“I see myself as an attack-minded player. I’m not the tallest but I’m very quick and this is the next step for me in my development as a player. I think that Charlton is the right place for me to take that step.”
Dasilva has been a crucial part of Chelsea’s youth teams since joining the club as an U13 with his two younger brothers Rio and Cole. He has won the FA Youth Cup three times and the UEFA Youth League twice.
Standing at 5ft 4in, Dasilva is known for his strength and electric pace. He has played in a variety of positions in Chelsea’s U16s, U18s and U23s, including left-back, left wing-back, central midfield and left wing. It was from the left wing where he scored in the FA Youth Cup Final in 2014.
The 18-year-old could make his Charlton debut against Bristol Rovers on Monday, January 2nd and supporters can hear from him for the first time by watching the video below.