Oriol Romeu has joined Stuttgart from Premier League club Chelsea on a season-long loan. The move was confirmed earlier today and provides Armin Veh with another option in midfield as they prepare for the new Bundesliga season which begins in just over a fortnight's time.
Romeu signed for the three-time Premier League champions in August 2011, but the former Barcelona youth graduate has seen appearances limited in west London, finding it extremely difficult to nail down a regular first team spot in a highly competitive and talented midfield. The 22-year old had been at Valencia last season, and Jose Mourinho again seemingly believes he isn't ready to be a key member of his Chelsea squad.
Romeu had recently signed a new three-year contract at Chelsea, despite not making an appearance for the club since December 2012, not helped by a knee injury. But if the Spaniard can stay fit, he will prove to be a useful asset for a Stuttgart side who were in a relegation battle for the majority of last season, finishing five points above the relegation play-off spot. Romeu has made 10 appearances for the Spain U21 side, and was part of the Spanish squad for the London 2012 Olympics (which albeit proved to be unsuccessful).
The midfielder is the latest Chelsea youngster to go out on loan for the 2014/15 season, but a good campaign in the Bundesliga will not only give him confidence and experience, yet will give Mourinho a few selection headaches by the time next summer comes around.