Chelsea finally completed their first signing of the January window on Monday, in the form of teenage left-back Yisa Alao. But it appears another left-back is on Chelsea’s radar.
Alao, 17, joins Chelsea on a three-year deal and could well sign a contract with a longer term when he turns 18. He played five times for Sheffield Wednesday’s senior side this term, and Alao will cost £1m.
Realistically, Alao will join the U21’s or possibly even the U18 team first before he has any kind of a shot at breaking into the senior side. The chances are that Alao will struggle to ever play for Chelsea’s first XI.
Say Morgan Rogers signs for Chelsea – who are you dropping from the XI to fit him in?
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers at Chelsea
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Especially, given Chelsea are in the market for a left-back, judging by the latest reports. Indeed, Chelsea’s scouts were deployed on a scouting mission over the weekend, to watch a South American in Belgium.
Chelsea watch Genk defender that Moises Caicedo knows well
It’s January 2025 and having impressed in 66 senior appearances for Ecuadorian giants Independiente Del Valle, Yaimar Medina is plucked by Genk. He has since played 29 times for Genk, even scoring this term.
Yaimar Medina in action for Genk.
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His form has seen him earn four Ecuadorian caps, two of which came alongside Moises Caicedo. Now, it looks as if Chelsea would like to lure him to England, at least initially, having sent scouts to watch him.
Belgian outlet HLN say Chelsea scouts were in position to watch Medina against Cercle Brugge on the weekend, a game that ended 1-1. Medina played the full 90 minutes, giving scouts plenty to look at.
Chelsea’s plan for Medina and it involves Gary O’Neil
Currently, at Strasbourg, Chelsea have sent three players on loan. Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez, though reports have suggested the latter’s loan with the Ligue 1 side could soon end.
Is Mike Penders the ultimate proof that the Strasbourg partnership actually works?👀
Mike Penders and Robert Sanchez at Chelsea
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Strasbourg also boast ex-Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell, while striker Emmanuel Emegha will join Chelsea in the summer. Gary O’Neil’s side are quickly becoming Chelsea’s B-team, or even their development side.
The report from HLN strengthens that suggestion. They say Chelsea want to immediately sign four-time Ecuador star Medina, and then send him on loan to Strasbourg. It is unclear how much Medina will cost.
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