Chelsea’s first team squad are under immense pressure to deliver when they face Brighton tonight, however positive news comes in the form of youngster Calvin Diakite signing his first professional contract with the club.
The Blues currently sit closer to 14th in the Premier League than the top five places, and Liam Rosenior has a job on his hands to flip the script at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior still believes Chelsea can finish in the top five, however they are probably going to have to enjoy a perfect end to the season for this, starting with tonight’s difficult trip to the South Coast to face Brighton.
With Estevao injured, is it Jesse Derry’s time vs Brighton?
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Calvin Diakite signs professional contract with Chelsea ahead of Brighton clash
An array of attacking injuries could see some opportunities handed to academy stars. Jesse Derry was spotted in training ahead of this game.
Surely it won’t be long before these opportunities are handed to Calvin Diakite, who has impressed greatly during his appearances for the Under 21s.
Chelsea U19 v AS Monaco U19 - Otten Cup
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Now, it has been reported that the 17-year-old has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club before they make the trip to Brighton.
Fabrizio Romano said: “Chelsea have agreed pro deal with 16 year old talented defender Calvin Diakite. Agreement valid until June 2028 with Diakite who’s been part of the Chelsea U21’s, U18’s and England youth team.”
Despite being young, the defender has already made an impression on the first team squad when handed the chance.
Rosenior’s injury update for Brighton (A)
What changes would you make?
Calvin Diakite has already made strides at Chelsea
At the age of just 15, Diakite had already begun training with the first team on occasion, indicating the club have seen something special in him from the beginning.
Diakite is also an Adidas athlete, a deal which has been seen as a rarity for a defender his age.
This season, Diakite has made 27 appearances in all competitions, and has featured for England all the way up to the U17 level.
Handing the youngster a senior contract is also a result of the club learning from the mistakes which allowed Rio Ngumoha to leave for a minimal fee to join Liverpool.
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