Ruben Loftus-Cheek has signed a new long term deal with Chelsea.
The academy graduate has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, which will see him reportedly more than double his wage at Stamford Bridge and this is a reward for a fine 2018/2019 season.
The 23-year-old established himself as a first team regular under former manager Maurizio Sarri, making 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals.
He did however miss the Europa League final victory against Arsenal after sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon in the post-season friendly against MLS sid New-England Revolution, an injury which the player had to have surgery to rectify.
Loftus-Cheek is still undergoing rehabilitation for the injury, and is very unlikely to be able to make a comeback before the season opener against Manchester United on August 11th.
The midfielder could be ready to play again as late as Novemer.
New Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard will have to rely on younger players in the upcoming season due to serving a transfer ban enforced on them by FIFA following them allegedly breaking rules in signing youth players.
The ban means that the Blues will be unable to register new players for the next two transfer windows.
Loftus-Cheek has established himself as an important member of the Chelsea squad, and will be expected to step up even more when he makes his return from injury.
Following the announcement of the new contract, Chelsea fans have taken to social media to show their delight at the news. The Blues fans also have one more request of their club - to give the midfielder the number eight shirt.
See below for some of the responses.
