To round up the 2012-13 youth football season at Chelsea, we’re reviewing every single one of the Chelsea youngsters currently on the books who have spent time out on loan during the campaign. Here, we focus on Jeffrey Bruma.
Club: Hamburg (Germany)
Appearances: 18 (1 goal)
The Story
Jeffrey Bruma’s two-year loan at Hamburg can only be described as a failure, even to the most optimistic follower. Consigned to backup duty in any one of three positions, the Dutch centre-half struggled to break into a team which has hardly lit up the Bundesliga and whilst he had his bright moments, he leaves the club with a future less certain than he had when he arrived.
This season was even worse than last year, with just ten starts and two wins to his name in a season where Hamburg somehow hovered around the European places despite rarely playing well. His versatility helped him get into the squad but when five of his total appearances came as a time-wasting sub in the closing stages of a game, it’s hard to find many positives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9LuxVgkrOQ
The Future
Things are far from over for him, however. Still only 21, he’s young for a defender yet has decent top-flight experience and will be an asset to whoever he plays for next season. It’s unlikely to be at Chelsea, although a sale isn’t certain, and he’s spoken keenly of returning to the Netherlands and earning a regular place in a starting eleven for an Eredivisie side. PSV and Twente have expressed interest, whilst a deal with affiliate club Vitesse could make sense if Tomas Kalas is to move on after two years at the Gelredome.
One thing is for certain though; Bruma can’t afford another dud of a move. He’s at a crossroads in his career and needs to find the right path.