Liverpool was among the top clubs interested in signing teenager left-back Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, but he has signed a contract with Chelsea
15:05, 27 Jan 2026
Yisa Alao has signed a contract until 2028 with Chelsea
Yisa Alao has signed a contract until 2028 with Chelsea(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Chelsea has won the race to sign highly-rated teenager Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, staving off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
A Wednesday statement said that Chelsea had presented Alao with "an excellent opportunity" and that the player had decided to continue his career in West London, signing a professional contract that ties him to the Stamford Bridge club until 2028.
Championship strugglers Wednesday went into administration last year, and the statement confirming Alao's exit said that the transfer "balances immediate value for the club with protection for the future."
Chelsea has paid a significant upfront fee to Wednesday in order to sign Alao, and there are also add-ons built into the deal to ensure that Wednesday will be further recompensed should the player go on to achieve certain milestones in his career with Chelsea.
READ MORE: Liverpool stance on Trey Nyoni loan as trio could depart before end of transfer windowREAD MORE: Andy Robertson to Tottenham could be back on as Liverpool transfer conditions set
The deal also includes a sell-on clause, which would entitle Wednesday to a percentage of the proceeds from any future sale of Alao by Chelsea.
Alao, 17, who was also linked with a host of other top Premier League clubs – including Liverpool and United – made five appearances for Wednesday this season and made his full debut in an FA Cup clash with Brentford earlier this month.
Wednesday's chances of keeping hold of Alao were always going to be slim, as the cash-strapped club is facing certain relegation to League One at the end of the campaign.
Alao was offered a professional contract by Wednesday, but the South Yorkshire club's ongoing issues understandably led to the player deciding to continue his career elsewhere.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The fee that Chelsea has agreed to pay Wednesday has not been disclosed, but it was reported by The Star earlier this month that the Blues had lodged a 'mid-level six-figure bid' to sign the teenager.
A Chelsea statement confirmed that Alao has signed a contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2027-2028 season.
While the length of that contract – two and a half years – may seem short for a young player, FA rules stipulate that players under the age of 18 cannot sign deals that are any longer than three years.
Article continues below
Doncaster-born Alao will not celebrate his 18th birthday until November of this year.