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Chelsea’s resurgence under Liam Rosenior has positioned the Blues as genuine contenders for a top-four finish this season, with the west London side currently sitting fifth and primed to challenge Liverpool for Champions League qualification. The Blues have already demonstrated their ambitions off the pitch too, with reports emerging that they’re monitoring Curtis Jones’ contract situation at Anfield amid interest in bolstering their midfield options.
Now Chelsea have dealt Liverpool another blow in the transfer market by securing the signature of highly-rated Sheffield Wednesday defender Yisa Alao.
The 17-year-old left-back has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea until 2028, with the Blues paying an initial fee of over £500,000 plus substantial add-ons that could push the total package beyond £1 million according to reports. Alao becomes Chelsea’s first signing of the January 2026 transfer window after the club beat several Premier League rivals to his signature.
According to the Sheffield Star, Liverpool were among the clubs that submitted offers “around the mid-level six-figure mark” for the teenage defender in recent weeks. Manchester United also had a bid rejected in December before entering fresh talks this month, only to be pipped by Chelsea at the final hurdle.
A statement from the Blues read: “Chelsea is pleased to announce the signing of Yisa Alao, with the left-back agreeing a contract with the Blues until 2028.”
“The 17-year-old came through Sheffield Wednesday’s academy and made his senior debut for the Owls in August. Alao has since played four more games, starting Wednesday’s recent FA Cup tie against Brentford and Championship match against Portsmouth.”
“Welcome to Chelsea, Yisa!”
It will not come as too much of a blow for Liverpool however, having already signed young defensive prospects this month in Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitié FC and Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien.
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