SC Paderborn chief Benjamin Weber has revealed that Chelsea loanee Bashir Humphreys is learning German, amid hopes they may be able to keep him long-term.
Humphreys joined the German outfit at the end of the January transfer window, signing on loan until the end of the season from Chelsea’s U21 side.
The central defender is yet to make a serious breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, although he was handed his senior debut in the 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup at the beginning of January.
Thus he has elected to move to the 2. Bundesliga side until the end of the season, where he will be hoping to get regular game time to aid his development.
At present the deal only runs until the summer, although the likelihood is that the 19-year-old will depart again given the extensive options currently available to Graham Potter, particularly in Chelsea’s defensive department.
Weber is hoping that his side can convince him to stay there, seeing the player’s decision to learn German as a positive sign he would be interested in an extended stay.
“In the end, the talks between clubs, advisors, coaches and players were decisive. The scouts prepared it well,” he told Kicker about the transfer.
“Above all, there is the conviction that Bashir can bring us further in terms of quality. The short distances to London helped. Of course, I already knew more about him. For example, that he adapts quickly, which is very important.
“He is already speaking his first words of German. And on his days off, he didn’t fly home, but walked around the city with his girlfriend.
“I see a chance and have hope that it could go longer. But let’s wait and see! Bashir is only 19, gets the best training here. He should and must still develop.”
