For every player brought in to directly impact the first team picture at Chelsea, the club are also bringing in youngsters who are still years away from making their impact at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca is finally benefitting from the availability of some of these players. Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos are making regular appearances for the Blues after being signed years in advance.
There are plenty more top youngsters to come too. Mike Penders, Dastan Satpaev and Geovany Quenda are just some of the players expected to star in West London when the chance comes their way.
The Blues have scouts in attendance at the U17 World Cup going on right now, and have previously been watching the U20 World Cup which was won by Morocco.
Argentina v Nigeria: Round Of 16 - FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025
Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea have made bid to sign Abduljelil Kamaldeen
One player who seems to have caught their eye at that competition is Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who made two appearances off the bench for Nigeria.
This was despite being just 16 years of age, and one of the youngest individuals on display at the tournament.
Kamaldeen is currently featuring for the Kwara FA, and director Ibrahim Bako has stated that the Blues have moved ahead in the race to sign him.
He told Footy Africa that Chelsea have made a concrete move for the youngster, and discussions are now set to take place with the Blues over a potential deal.
He said: “We have had a few inquiries about the boy (Kamaldeen) but only Chelsea have put forward something for him. They are the only team I can confirm has been in touch as regards Abduljelil (Kamaldeen)
“Whatever we are going to do, we will do it in the best interest of the boy to aid his development, which is always key to what we do here at Kwara Football Academy. It is about growth, development, and comfort for our players.
“That is our main objective, and we will do the same with him as we discuss with Chelsea.”
Who is Abduljelil Kamaldeen?
The 16-year-old is a midfielder who has been featuring above his years for both club and country.
He will be hoping he develops a little more during his teenage years physically. According to Transfermarkt, he stands at 1.58m tall, less than 5’2.
Chelsea are not the only Premier League side who have been credited with interest in the youngster too. West Ham are also keeping tabs on the player.