Harvey Vale

Harvey James Vale (born 11 September 2003) is an English footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for club Chelsea.

Early life
Born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Vale started his career at local side Crowborough FC, before joining West London side Fulham. Initially a left-back, Vale played a number of positions at youth level, including covering for an injured goalkeeper for Fulham, before settling as a midfielder.

Chelsea
Vale left Fulham to join West London rivals Chelsea at under-13 level, and signed his first professional contract in September 2020.

On 26 October, he was named among the substitutes for an EFL Cup tie with Southampton.

Vale made his Chelsea debut on 22 December 2021 in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, starting in a 2–0 win against Brentford. On 19 March 2022, he featured in an FA Cup quarter-final match against Middlesbrough, coming on as a substitute for Romelu Lukaku in the 84th minute as Chelsea went on to win the game 2–0.

On 22 May 2022, he was awarded the academy player of the year.

Loan to Hull City
On 1 September 2022, he moved on loan to Hull City for the season after signing a three-year contract with Chelsea. On 17 September 2022, Vale started in the 3–0 loss away to Swansea City. The loan spell was cut short when he returned to Chelsea on 23 January 2023.

Loan to Bristol Rovers
On 15 August 2023, Vale agreed to join League One side, Bristol Rovers on a season-long loan. On 26 August 2023, Vale scored his first senior career goal, finishing a cross from the right-hand side for Rovers' consolation goal in a 2–1 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. Having been utilised in a more unfamiliar left-back position, impressive performances from Vale saw comparisons made to Chelsea legend Ashley Cole from manager Joey Barton. He continued to impress across the season, ranking among the highest for minutes played by a Chelsea loanee, whilst also playing the second-most minutes for Rovers.

International career
Vale has represented England at under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-19 level.

On 17 June 2022, Vale was included in the England U19 squad for the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. On 1 July 2022, Vale captained the England U19 side and provided an assist for Carney Chukwuemeka to score in a 3–1 victory against Israel in the final. His performances during the competition led to his inclusion in the UEFA team of the tournament.

On 10 May 2023, Vale was included in the England squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Honours
England U19
 * UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2022

Individual
 * Chelsea Academy Player of the Year: 2021–22
 * UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2022