Liam Rosenior on phone with thumb up
Credit: Imago
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Wed 21 January 2026 13:14, UK
Wolves, Sheffield United and Birmingham City are battling it out to sign Chelsea defender Harry McGlinchey, sources have told Football Insider.
The 18-year-old has been told he is free to leave Chelsea this month with a sell-on clause to be included in any move.
Wolves, Sheffield United and Birmingham have all expressed an interest in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international.
The trio are hoping to land the teenager with the offer of a quicker pathway to first-team football.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior
Credit: Imago
Harry McGlinchey a star for the future
McGlinchey signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in December 2024, and is currently part of the club’s under-21 squad.
The teenager is yet to appear for the first team, but he has made six appearances for Ireland’s under-19 squad.
Newly appointed Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior favoured a young team whilst at Strasbourg, and does want to continue offering opportunities to upcoming talent.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Rosenior appointed under-21 boss Calum McFarlane as his assistant, meaning integrating academy talent into the first team could be a target for the duo whilst at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have spent heavily since BlueCo took over the club in 2022, making it difficult for academy players to breakthrough into the first team.
Chelsea could sanction January sale
Chelsea could allow striker David Datro Fofana to leave in January, amid the 23-year-old’s difficulty in breaking through at the club.
David Datro Fofana during a warm-up for Chelsea
Credit: Imago
Fofana has spent the first half of the season on loan at Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, and Chelsea could now sell him permanently in this window.
Celtic could make a move for Fofana in their search of attacking reinforcements, but Chelsea would prefer a permanent deal over a loan move.
The striker has made 18 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals, all for Burnley, and contributing one assist.