Cambridge United youngster joins National League South side Chelmsford City on loan deal

Cambridge United youngster Kai Yearn has been loaned out to Chelmsford City for the remainder of the season.

The club’s youngest ever goalscorer will link up with former U’s frontman Robbie Simpson, who has been in charge of the National League South side since early 2020.

Simpson told the Chelmsford website: “Kai is a fantastic footballer. He’s been in and around the England youth set-up in the past few years and it’s now time for him to start embarking on his men’s football career.

“He’s had a bit of a taste in the Papa John’s Trophy and performed really well but now he needs to start playing league football at a senior level, and we’re delighted that it’s going to be with us.

“He’s a fantastic talent and I can’t wait until he puts on that Claret shirt and starts to excite the fans. He’s a creative player, can score a goal and is great at set-pieces and he’ll be a real asset to us. We’re looking forward to working with him and helping in his development.”

Meanwhile, United head coach Mark Bonner added: “Kai has had a stop start period since pre-season with injuries but has found some rhythm in training in the past fortnight and built some good game time in the youth team.

“We are now looking forward to seeing him challenged in senior football and securing a place in Chelmsford's team. If he can do that, it will be a good experience for him after some encouraging signs since the start of pre-season with us.”

Alongside his landmark goal Yearn also helped United's Under-18s to reach the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup last season.

His move is the latest in a line of young United prospects to join the Clarets on loan in recent years, with Ben Worman, Tom Knowles, Tom Dickens and Kai McKenzie-Lyle among those who have had a spell in Essex down the years.