Chelsea youngster Kian Best is attracting Championship interest just weeks after joining the Blues.
The 19-year-old defender could be heading out on loan, with several second-tier clubs monitoring his situation, according to SportsBoom.
Stoke City, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City have all made initial enquiries over the teenager’s availability. Best only signed for Chelsea this summer on a free transfer after leaving Preston North End but is already expected to be given a chance to gain first-team minutes elsewhere.
Championship Clubs Circle
Best came through the youth ranks at Preston, spending 12 years with his hometown club before making his senior debut at the start of last season. Former boss Ryan Lowe was an admirer and handed him a first-team opportunity, but his path was blocked under Paul Heckingbottom, who preferred experienced left-back Andrew Hughes.
The youngster was loaned to Irish Premier Division side Bohemians last term, making just one appearance before returning to Deepdale. He also featured three times for Preston, but injuries hindered his progress during the campaign.
Chelsea’s decision to hand him a three-year contract highlights their belief in his long-term potential, though a loan move is seen as the best route to regular football for the versatile defender.
Released in the Summer
Best’s exit from Preston was part of a wider summer clear-out, with Emil Riis, Ryan Ledson, Freddie Woodman and Patrick Bauer also departing, alongside several academy graduates. The England Under-19 international made headlines when he claimed to have first learned of his release via Instagram – a suggestion denied by the club.
The teenager’s availability has alerted multiple Championship sides, each keen to develop a player who has already represented his country at youth level. A temporary switch could give Best the platform to prove himself at senior level and stake a future claim for Chelsea.
Writer’s View
This situation offers clear benefits for all parties. Chelsea secure a development path for a promising defender, while Championship clubs gain the chance to nurture a player with proven technical quality and international pedigree.
For Best, it’s a crucial career moment – regular game time now could be the difference between becoming a Premier League squad option and drifting into the lower leagues. The right loan environment will be key to unlocking his potential.
