Omari Kellyman’s next move this summer appears increasingly clear, with one well-placed observer suggesting a return to Cardiff City is the “obvious” outcome following his breakthrough campaign in south Wales.
The 20-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, has enjoyed an impressive first full season in senior football, registering nine goals and two assists across 41 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Deployed across multiple attacking roles – on the wing, as a No.10 and even through the middle – Kellyman has quickly become a key figure under Brian Barry-Murphy. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
With just one game left of his loan spell, attention is already turning to what comes next and whether Cardiff, who are preparing for life back in the Championship next term, could secure his services again.
To gain insight into Chelsea’s thinking, WalesOnline spoke to Football.London’s Blues correspondent Bobby Vincent, who has been tracking Kellyman’s development closely.
While Vincent admits he has not watched Cardiff extensively this season, the reports reaching west London have been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve been really encouraged to see the progress Kellyman has made,” he said. “It’s been a difficult time at Chelsea so far for the youngster due to consistent injuries, but it’s great to see him keeping fit and playing a lot of football. It seems he has really shone in south Wales.”
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Kellyman has long been regarded as a top prospect, firstly at Aston Villa and then in Chelsea’s academy system, and Vincent says those behind the scenes will have been monitoring his performances closely throughout the campaign.
“I know Kellyman is highly rated in the academy at Chelsea,” he added.
“Sources close to the academy informed me that before he moved to Cardiff. They will no doubt have been keeping tabs on his progress this season.”
Despite Chelsea’s well-documented first-team struggles this term, Vincent believes breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge next season would be a significant challenge for the England youth international, making another loan the most likely outcome.
“I think another loan would be best for Kellyman,” he added. “Even though Chelsea are in dire form at the time of writing, their squad is very competitive. Trying to get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge might be too tough of an ask at the moment.
“Another loan seems a no-brainer and I think the likely option.”
There is also the added layer of uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s managerial situation. Both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have departed their roles, with the club searching for a new permanent appointment.
However, Vincent does not believe that will significantly impact the decision-making process regarding Kellyman’s immediate future. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
“To be honest, the head coach won’t make too much of a difference,” he explained.
“With the way Chelsea operate, with five sporting directors and a heavy academy team, decisions for him to be integrated into the first-team squad will likely be made by them.”
That structure could ultimately work in Cardiff’s favour, particularly given the strong relationship between Barry-Murphy, his assistant Lee Riley and Chelsea’s director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields – a connection forged during their time together at Manchester City.
And when it comes to where Kellyman should spend next season, Vincent’s verdict is emphatic.
“That is the obvious thing to do, isn’t it? Surely,” he said when asked about a potential return to Cardiff. “As long as Cardiff will have him back, then it seems silly for him to move anywhere else.
“It seems as if he has really enjoyed his time in Wales, so moving him out of that environment would seem silly.
“The only thing I would say is, Chelsea do like to loan players to Strasbourg, but a season in the Championship surely makes more sense.”
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