Harvey Vale has sent an emotional message after leaving Chelsea permanently on transfer deadline day. The 21-year-old joined QPR in a late window move on Monday.

After nearly a decade at the club, Vale departs in search of senior football after finding himself back in the academy sides this season. He had been looking for a new team to join over the summer but rejected a move to Saudi Arabia.

Vale went on to make two more first-team appearances for Chelsea in December, coming from the bench in the Conference League. He has excelled in the development squad despite his personal frustrations, scoring five times and assisting five in ten matches.

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He had spent last season at Bristol Rovers where he was a regular and featured in a variety of positions but mainly an unorthodox left wing-back spot. Nominally an attacking midfielder, Vale impressed immensely having struggled at Hull City the year before.

Unfortunately for Vale, he will have to wait to make his debut at Loftus Road. QPR confirmed that an injury will keep him out until the 2025/26 season.

Vale is still in high spirits. “I am buzzing,” he said of completing the move. "As soon as I heard QPR were interested I wanted to get to know more. I am really excited and so happy it got over the line.”

He added: “I feel like I need a home, I need a place to settle, I need a place to grow. That’s why I thought it was the right time. If I kept going on loan, you get into that cycle and you don’t really settle and find a home. Now hopefully here I have found that home.”

Writing online, Vale expressed his gratitude to all who have been alongside him at Chelsea. "From joining as a 12-year-old boy to making my debut, the memories I have made will stay with me forever," he posted. "I want to thank all the players I’ve had the privilege to play alongside, the staff members who have helped develop and support me, and most importantly, the fans who have followed and stood by me every step of the way.

"I will always be grateful for the opportunity to wear this badge and achieve something I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Thank you @chelseafc [blue heart emoji]".

Vale played seven games for Chelsea after joining from Fulham's youth setup. He signed a contract extension last year at Stamford Bridge before being allowed to move on in the winter window.