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Chelsea “completed deal” for Manchester City starlet – Blues “delighted with important addition”

In a busy week for transfer at Chelsea, another deal has been done.

This one is at youth level – Under 14 star Isaac McGillvary has joined from Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano has the scoop as ever, following on from whispers in the last week from Football Insider. He wrote that the Blues are “delighted with this important youth addition.”

He describes McGillvary as “one of the most promising talents in the UK at his age.”

He will join Chelsea’s Under 15 team for the season to come.

According to the previous reporting, it’s a 6 year deal for the 14 year old, who is the son of Jermaine McGillvary, a former Huddersfield Giants and England rugby league player.

The academy was a central pillar of Chelsea’s strategy under the old owners, and it has remained important with BlueCo in charge. If anything they are bringing in even more imported talents from younger age groups.

The new ownership has also made a habit of bringing in all manner of figures with Manchester City connections – from manager Enzo Maresca to scouts, academy staff and players like Cole Palmer.

Chelsea continue to acquire academy talents – but lose them too

Chelsea have been stung by some serious losses from the academy in recent times – Rio Ngumoha went a year ago to Liverpool, and is already making an impact there. He scored in their most recent preseason friendly.

McGillvary is perhaps not quite as highly rated, but it’s still a nice move for Chelsea to make. We probably won’t hear much about him for a while now, but if he continues his progress it won’t be long before he’s making headlines and pushing for a loan or a first team debut a few years down the line.

Chelsea continue to acquire academy talents – but lose them too

Chelsea have been stung by some serious losses from the academy in recent times – Rio Ngumoha went a year ago to Liverpool, and is already making an impact there. He scored in their most recent preseason friendly.

That completes Chelsea´s window dressing to Strasbourg:

Two sales: Mathis Amougou and Ishe Samuels-Smith.
Three loans: Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Paez and Mike Penders.

Strasbourg officials came to the Club World Cup to speak to various players before taking them on loan.

Chelsea forward Estevao Willian
will meet his team-mates when they return to the UK on Monday, 4 August, following their Club World Cup triumph.

The 18-year-old, who is a versatile forward able to play across the frontline, chose Chelsea over a host of other teams. Most notably Paris Saint-Germain, who produced a rival bid, along with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
The choice to join Chelsea was driven by belief in their project, as well as the offer of a substantial role in his first season, as Estevao aims to join the Brazil national team for the next World Cup in 2026.

That said, there is also the expectation he will be signed easily initially, but that he could quickly become a starter if he impresses in training.
Defender Thiago Silva was among those who met Estevao before he chose Chelsea in 2024, but manager Enzo Maresca also spoke with him during a meeting during the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

Chelsea are ready to help Estevao settle in, as he will arrive early to find a place to live in London and the surrounding area.
Estevao does not speak English, but Maresca is fluent in several languages and reportedly managed to communicate with the striker in a mix of Portuguese and Spanish. The youngster has been taking English lessons since the beginning of the year and will intensify his studies when he arrives.

There is also optimism that Estevao will adapt quickly to English life, as he does not drink and is known for being a laid back person. He will also have his family with him as he escapes the unique pressures of Brazilian football.

Chelsea forward Estevao Willian
will meet his team-mates when they return to the UK on Monday, 4 August, following their Club World Cup triumph.

Det bliver godt nok interessant at se Chelseas og Citys første kampe og ligeledes længere inde i sæsonen når trætheden som regel begynder at melde sig. Meget unik situation som ingen nok kan forudsige resultatet af.