NafisaSunderland’s Talent Factory: A Closer Look at Harvey Vale’s Potential Move from Chelsea
Sunderland are developing quite the reputation as a club that thrives on identifying and nurturing some of Europe’s most promising young talents. Their model is simple yet effective: bring in emerging players at bargain prices, give them substantial game time in the Championship, and watch their value soar.
This strategy has already borne fruit, with Jack Clarke’s £20 million move last summer serving as a prime example. The Black Cats reportedly paid just £1 million for Clarke a couple of years earlier. Now, they have other rising stars like Jobe Bellingham and Dan Ballard who could potentially follow suit, adding to the club’s impressive track record in the transfer market.
As the January window approaches, Sunderland have been linked with several players, including Chelsea’s Harvey Vale. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, is available for transfer as Chelsea look to offload him. But who exactly is Harvey Vale, and what could he bring to Sunderland? To answer these questions, Sunderland AFC News spoke to Chelsea expert Caleb Sage from The Chelsea Chronicle. Here’s what he had to say.
What Type of Player Is Harvey Vale?
“Vale is a very versatile footballer,” Sage explains. “His best position is somewhere in attack, probably behind the striker, but he is adept at playing at left-back. He is quite physical and works extremely hard, so that helps. To put his versatility into perspective, despite being an attacker, Vale was mostly used as a left-back and left wing-back last season while on loan at Bristol Rovers.
“If I had to compare him to one player in the Premier League, I would actually go with a Newcastle United star, which Sunderland fans may not like to hear! But it is another man with Chelsea connections: Tino Livramento, who Newcastle signed for £32 million in 2023. While they play on opposite flanks, they are a similar height and can both bomb down the wing with power.”
Could Harvey Vale Cut It in the Championship?
Sage is confident in Vale’s ability to handle the rigours of England’s second tier.
“Without a doubt. The Championship is a man’s league, isn’t it? Physically demanding on the pitch, while games come thick and fast. As a young player, it can eat you alive. But again, Vale has the physical strength to cope with all of that, while I also think he has the technical quality that players in teams closer to the top of the division tend to have.”
How Much Would Harvey Vale Cost Sunderland?
With Vale’s Chelsea contract expiring in the summer, the financial outlay for Sunderland could be minimal. Sage describes the potential deal as a win-win.
“It is not going to cost too much to sign Vale this month since his contract expires at the end of the season. I think Sunderland could be getting a real bargain here and perhaps the chance to make a nice bit of profit in the future.”
Could Harvey Vale Reach Premier League Level?
While Vale’s career has yet to hit the heights of consistent first-team football, his potential is undeniable.
“He has already played for Chelsea’s first team, albeit only in the cup competitions,” Sage notes. “But it shows that Vale is on the right path, and if his next club can get his development right should he leave Chelsea, I cannot see why he would not be able to play in the Premier League. I’m not sure if he will make it as a No.10, but as a full-back, if he models his game around someone like Livramento, he will be fine.”
Would Sunderland Be a Good Fit for Vale?
Sage believes that much will depend on how Sunderland utilise the youngster, especially with their promotion ambitions adding pressure.
“Good question! It will come down to how Regis Le Bris decides to use him. With Sunderland aiming for promotion, Vale is going to have a lot of pressure on him if he starts in an attacking position and is expected to score goals and provide assists.
“He may not be ready for that. However, as an option from off the bench or at left-back, where he is not in the firing line too much, Vale could definitely be a nice addition to this Sunderland squad.”
In Harvey Vale, Sunderland may find another diamond in the rough, a versatile player with untapped potential and the ability to thrive under the right conditions. If the Black Cats continue their habit of identifying and nurturing young talent, the Chelsea prospect could well be the next big success story in their ambitious project.
Nafisa
