Chelsea have made it their mission under the new ownership to continue to bring in some of the best young players in world football before their rivals.
Todd Boehly and co have been active around the world, and Chelsea fans are now starting to see the benefits of their long-term project.
Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos have been regular contributors to the first team squad this season, after elite sides like PSG and Barcelona missed out on their signatures.
The recent U17 World Cup provided an opportunity for the Blues to continue this mantra, and look to have landed on another gem in the form of Muhammad Zongo.
Germany v Burkina Faso: FIFA Under-17 World Cup
Photo by Jurij Kodrun – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
BlueCo complete deal to sign Muhammad Zongo
The teenager was on show for Burkina Faso, who also boasted Loukman Tapsoba, who Chelsea were scouting too.
It is the attacking midfielder they have moved for first though, with Fabrizio Romano stating that BlueCo have won the race for Zongo, and he is set for a spell at Strasbourg first.
He said: “Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo win race to sign 16 yo midfielder Muhammad Zongo, here we go!
“Deal done from Sporting Cascade FC after being scouted at U17 World Cup. Next step will be at Strasbourg, seen by Chelsea/BlueCo as perfect setting for his next phase.”
It is not uncommon for some of these Chelsea youngsters to feature at Strasbourg. After Santos, Kendry Paez, Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders have all become regulars for the Ligue 1 side this season.
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali and directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart at Wolves game
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart and Todd Boehly pictured with the trophy after Chelsea win the Conference League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Who is Muhammad Zongo?
Burkina Faso reached the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup, and Zongo was a key player in their successful stint in the tournament.
He scored twice for his country, including the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Germany in the Last 32.
His international record is very strong, finding the net four times in just nine appearances for Burkina Faso’s U19s.
He currently plays his football for SF Cascades in his home nation.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox