Highly-rated Chelsea midfielder Leo Castledine has reportedly agreed a deal with League One club Huddersfield Town over a proposed loan move.
There has been heavy speculation over the 19-year-old’s future this summer, with interest from a host of EFL Championship and League One clubs.
According to The Mirror Football’s Dan Marsh, the Terriers have managed to convince Castledine to move to West Yorkshire.
Huddersfield Town Continue Fruitful Summer
There has been a major shake-up at the John Smith’s Stadium this preseason, with a raft of player arrivals under new manager Lee Grant.
Ambition has been the driving force behind Huddersfield’s considerable transfer activity. After a season of consolidation last term, Huddersfield are hoping to build on their best laid foundations and make a swift return to the Championship.
Since the arrival of Lee Grant at the end of May, Huddersfield have taken their summer transfer tally into double figures.
As they strive to reach the second tier once again, the Terriers have welcomed an abundance of players with recent Championship experience.
The imminent arrival of Castledine will instil a youthful exuberance into the midfield, complementing the likes of Lyndon Gooch, Ryan Ledson, and Marcus Harness.
Chelsea Starlet Set for League One Switch
Leo Castledine first joined the Chelsea youth ranks when he was just five years old. He returned in 2020 after seven years away, spent on the books of AFC Wimbledon.
The 19-year-old broke into senior league football last campaign with a loan spell in League One with Shrewsbury Town.
Having made his name in Premier League 2 for Chelsea, the versatile midfielder continued his development in Shropshire.
He made 23 League One appearances for the Shrews, before a stress fracture in his back cut short his season. He scored two goals during his spell at the New Meadow.
Castledine to Join the Huddersfield Promotion Charge
Castledine is likely to benefit greatly from a period under Lee Grant, especially considering they are likely to be challenging at the very top of the division.
The aforementioned blend of EFL experience and talented youth that has been assembled at the Kirklees club will undoubtedly pose a threat to the other main protagonists in League One.
Both head coaches who had the opportunity to work with Castledine at Shrewsbury last season made no secret of the teenager’s range of qualities.
“He has got a lot of quality, a lot of those young players from top clubs have.” Michael Appleton to the Shropshire Star
“He’ll be a little firecracker. He’s brilliant on that pitch, challenging for everything, running around.” Gareth Ainsworth in the Shropshire Star
Castledine’s arrival could be the latest pivotal moment in a season shaping up to be an illustrious one for Huddersfield Town.
