Chelsea stance on wonderkid explained as Joe Shields advises club on summer transfer decision

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The latest on the future of Ishe Samuels-Smith after a crazy summer transfer window for the 19-year-old defender, who is now spending the season with Swansea City

Joe Shields, Chelsea's co-director of recruitment and talent, believes Ishe Samuels-Smith has a future at Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Swansea City with sources confirming the teenager is enjoying his time in south Wales, though he only has four appearances under his belt in all competitions. In recent games, however, Swansea boss Alan Sheehan has experimented with a five-at-the-back formation and that could create more opportunities for Samuels-Smith, a versatile defender.

While Samuels-Smith is enjoying life with the Swans, there is currently no plan in place for the Chelsea loanee to move to the Liberty Stadium on a permanent basis come the end of the campaign. There is no buy option for the Championship club, meaning what comes for Samuels-Smith after the loan spell remains undecided.

football.london can reveal Chelsea chief Shields is a big admirer of Samuels-Smith and is convinced the former Everton youngster still has a future at Stamford Bridge despite a rollercoaster summer for the teenager. Back in July, Chelsea agreed a deal with sister club Strasbourg for Samuels-Smith to move to the Stade de la Meinau on a permanent deal, but there was a big U-turn just 33 days later.

Just over a month after putting pen to paper on a deal with Strasbourg, Chelsea decided to trigger the immediate buyback clause inserted in his contract. Ben Chilwell moved to Strasbourg on a permanent basis instead, and that would have restricted Samuels-Smith's play time in France.

As well as this, Ismael Doukoure deciding to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club played a part in Samuels-Smith leaving the club. A return to Strasbourg is not an option for Samuels-Smith, football.london understands, when his contract in Wales has concluded.

Samuels-Smith remains highly rated by the Chelsea hierarchy, though there is an acceptance that playing his football at Stamford Bridge at this moment in time is not the best option for him and his development. Where Samuels-Smith plays his football next season is a decision that still needs to be made, but there is no rush as his loan at Swansea is viewed as a chance to get invaluable, regular minutes under his belt.