AS SAINTS land Chelsea youngster Armando Broja on a season-long loan, it looks set that they’ve decided on their men to replace hit-man Danny Ings.

With an accepted bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong, the two replacements could both be through the door within a week of the Winchester-born attacker’s shock departure.

For now though, Broja becomes the third Blues academy youngster to switch London for the south-coast, following Dynel Simeu and Tino Livramento – although this time only on a temporary basis.

At just 19-years-old, you might not have seen much of the loanee but we’ve compiled all you need to know about the new Saints man.

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His career so far…

The 19-year-old Chelsea academy striker is already an Albanian international having made six appearances for his country.

Although the 6foot 3’ youngster is yet to score for the senior national side with limited playing time, given his young age, he was prolific in brief spells at under-19 and under-21 level whilst playing up.

The right-footed centre-forward was born in Slough, England, on September 10, 2001, and signed for the Blues at under-9 level – before signing a scholarship deal in 2018.

Broja made his Chelsea senior debut after replacing French striker Olivier Giroud in a Premier League fixture against Everton, in March 2020, aged just 18.

The recent 2020-21 season

The Albanian frontman spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring ten goals and registering two assists in 30 appearances.

His goals helped them to finish fourth in the division, behind Ajax, PSV and AZ Alkmaar, as well as reaching the Dutch Cup final before defeat to Ajax.

To add, his total was one of the most of any teenager in Europe’s major leagues during that season.

Daily Echo: Armando Broja scored in a recent friendly against AFC BournemouthArmando Broja scored in a recent friendly against AFC Bournemouth

His Chelsea contract

Broja was rewarded with a brand new contract in July 2021, signing a new five-year deal that will keep him at Chelsea until at least 2026.

On signing his new contract, Broja told the club website: “I am really excited to be signing a new contract with Chelsea.

“Having come through the Academy here it was a special moment for me to make my first-team debut last year, before gaining further experience on loan at Vitesse last season.

“I want to build on these foundations and I am really looking forward to progressing and making an impact at Chelsea in the years to come.”

What Tuchel has said?

Thomas Tuchel watched as his side defeated Bournemouth 2-1 in a recent friendly in July, with Broja and fellow academy player Ike Ugbo on the scoresheet. He said: “They had their two chances and took them, this is what they do and now they have to continue.”

Writer’s brief view

I was at the Bournemouth v Chelsea friendly and got a brief look at Armando Broja as he was introduced from the bench at half-time, replacing USA international Christian Pulisic.

It’s only 45’ of a friendly so no judgements can be made, but the Albanian international didn’t look out of place in the Blues' side and took 25 minutes to find the net from close-range, finishing Baba Rahman’s low cross.

It was a really intelligent run deep into the area and placed him in the perfect position to net easily, while Tammy Abraham, for example, had blazed many chances off target or straight at the ‘keeper. Broja had also scored in their previous friendly in a similar manner.

He represents good back-up depth, along with Nathan Tella – while clearly Che Adams and hopefully potential arrival Adam Armstrong will lead the line.