One of Chelsea’s transfer targets is currently performing at the same level as Kevin de Bruyne did before he completed his own move to Stamford Bridge.
It is one of the biggest regrets of Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of the club that he couldn’t see into the future with De Bruyne, as Chelsea missed out on a Premier League legend at the peak of his powers.
Chelsea decided to sign him after his excellent form at Genk. In the 2010/11 season, he provided 17 assists for the Belgian side.
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Chelsea target Konstantinos Karetsas is matching Kevin de Bruyne’s assist records in Belgium
The heir to his throne in his home country is Konstantinos Karetsas who is currently playing a key role in the side at just 18 years of age.
Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the talented youngster, who is showing signs of De Bruyne throughout this campaign.
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Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
So far this season, Karetsas has 18 assists in all competitions, higher than De Bruyne’s tally in his legendary 2010/11 campaign.
The number is pretty astonishing when taking into account Chelsea don’t yet have a player in their first team squad who has hit double digits for assists this season.
Joao Pedro has nine assists for the Blues, although does sit on far more goals during the current campaign than the Greek.
It is perhaps the only red flag surrounding Karetsas that he does not look the most prolific in front of goal. He currently has just three goals in 43 appearances this season.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
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Karetsas is a classic Chelsea signing
Given his age and profile, Karetsas certainly fits into the category of players Chelsea’s new model would love to bring in.
This usually involves a spell on loan at Strasbourg. Andrey Santos has already undergone this fate, with Mike Penders another currently in France.
There are plenty of young attacking options already on the books at Stamford Bridge. As well as Estevao Willian, they have Geovany Quenda, Kendry Paez and Dastan Satpaev.
With the chiefs in West London not prepared to move away from their current plan, it is very realistic to imagine Karetsas will be on the club’s radar again this summer.
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