BURTON Albion have signed Jacob Maddox on a season-long international loan from Vitória Sport Clube, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old trained with his new teammates for the first time yesterday, before travelling down south with the squad ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Bognor Regis.
Maddox joined Chelsea at the age of 14 from Bristol City, where he won back-to-back FA Youth Cups and the UEFA Youth Cup during his time at the academy.
He enjoyed a successful season on loan in League Two with Cheltenham Town in 2018/19, making 44 appearances. The following season saw a loan move to Tranmere Rovers, but injury restricted his impact to just two appearances in the EFL Trophy.
Southampton was the next destination for Maddox where he spent half a season playing for the Saints U23 side, before departing Chelsea after seven years to sign for his current parent club Vitória SC, who play in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The attacking midfield player has also represented England at every level between Under-16s and Under-20s, notably winning the Under-19s European Championship with his country in 2017.
“He will give us different options in midfield and is versatile. He can play both wide or central,” said manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
“He is coming home. He is still young and has got a point to prove. I know him from his Chelsea time and we look forward to welcoming him and settling him in here.”
"After speaking with the manager and looking at the way the team finished last season, I'm looking forward to what we can achieve this season," said Maddox.
"I know the qualities I have and how I can help the team, so I'm looking forward to getting started."
Welcome to Burton Albion, Jacob!