Richard Kingson is expected to join Blackpool this week.
The Ghana stopper has been waiting for his work permit but the matter is close to being resolved.
The 32-year-old's absence for the Chelsea game cost him a reunion with one of his best mates in football - Michael Essien.
The Chelsea star, a fellow Ghana international, said: "Richard is a very good friend, like he's my big brother.
"Over the years he has been giving me advice and always talking to me. Richard is just a very nice man, so I'm happy for him to be in England with a new club."
Kingson previously played for Birmingham and Wigan but failed to nail down a place.
