The most telling thing St. Louis CITY SC did was loan South African midfielder Njabulo Blom to Kaizer Chiefs until June 2025 with an option to buy. At face value, this could have gone down as another calculated deal in the transfer market, but on the line is much more than just the simple return of Blom to South African soccer.
A move that does not only affect Blom's career but also the future of St. Louis CITY SC. Let's dive into what exactly this decision would mean for Blom, the American club, and of course Major League Soccer as a whole.
Return of Blom to Kaizer Chiefs: More Than Just a Transfer
The loan deal that Blom sealed with Kaizer Chiefs is an important moment in his career. The 24-year-old midfielder forged a strong reputation in MLS, as he helped St. Louis CITY SC reach the top spot in the Western Conference during their maiden season. He wasn't just an important contributor; he also scored vital goals, one of which secured victory against Minnesota United.
But not everything went according to plan. Blom found himself suspended for disciplinary reasons, keeping him off the team sheet under head coach John Hackworth-certainly speeding up his exit. In the pitch, Blom had shown consistency, but out of it, internal issues did affect his stay at the club.
Now, this golden opportunity has arisen for Blom at Kaizer Chiefs to revive his career with the team where it all started. This return is more than a homecoming but a chance for him to regularly feature and thrive in an environment he is conversant with. Being one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Kaizer Chiefs gives Blom the platform to regain both form and confidence.
Impact to St. Louis CITY SC's Midfield
Without Njabulo Blom, St. Louis CITY SC does lose an important piece within their squad, especially from a depth perspective. Blom was versatile in the midfield and able to play in various central positions. He is important to the interceptions and counterattacks that start with quick transitions associated with the way a team wants to play.
Moving forward, St. Louis will need to rely more on players like Eduard Löwen and Chris Durkin, already key figures within the midfield. Recent signing Jake Girdwood-Reich also helps provide a different option to fill in the gap.
Why Did St. Louis Opt to Loan Blom?
Blom's loan is not merely rearranging the deck of cards, but it is interlinked with both internal and external factors. Undoubtedly, the primary reason behind this was his disciplinary suspension that kept him out of the team. Once Hackworth assumed the head coach role, he implemented an even more rigid and commanding style to which Blom probably failed to adapt and lost his spot in the squad.
In addition, loaning Blom out for such a long time opens up space for St. Louis CITY SC to bring in new signings while giving Blom a chance to rebuild his market value. A loan to Kaizer Chiefs would keep him at a high level, potentially bringing in better sale options sometime later.
The buy option included in the deal also suggests that St. Louis is already looking ahead to some transitional phase, with the American club perhaps using those funds to reinvest and fill in the gap left by Blom should Kaizer Chiefs take up that option.
That means more than just one player at the end of the day, but it is about planning for the future, balancing the roster, and making sure St. Louis CITY SC remains competitive into the long term.