English League Two side Barrow have announced the loan signing of Northern Ireland defender Sam McClelland from Chelsea.
McClelland was in Ian Baraclough’s senior squad for the games against Malta and Ukraine, making his debut against the Ukrainians in 2021. The centre-back joined Chelsea from Coleraine back in 2018 and signed his first professional contract a year later.
The 20-year played nine games for Chelsea’s development squad side last campaign and captained the team on four occasions.
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Barrow boss Pete Wild said on the new addition “Sam comes highly recommended from both club and country and is at the right stage of his career to experience men’s football. We are excited to have him as part of the group and help continue his development as a footballer.”
This is McClelland’s first loan, and it comes soon after Chelsea had activated a one-year extension clause in his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of the month.
Barrow begin their season away to newly promoted National League champions Stockport County on Saturday July 30.
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