The England Under-20 international, who joined the Blues at Under-13s level, has become a consistent presence for our Under-21s, featuring across the Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Vertu Trophy.

Merrick has been in our senior side's matchday squad on 11 occasions in recent years, appearing on the bench in the Champions League seven times last season, while he was also part of the travelling squad for the Premier League draw at Manchester City in January.

This will be the 20-year-old's third loan spell away from Cobham. He gained his first taste of senior football during the 2022/23 season, with a loan spell at Hanwell Town. In January 2025, he continued that experience with a second loan move to National League South side Hampton & Richmond.

His performances meant that in March it was announced Merrick had signed a new contract with the club until 2028.

Good luck, Max!