General Manager of Sporting Supreme FC, Ismail Hamza, has confirmed that top European clubs, led by Chelsea, are keeping tabs on highly-rated Nigeria U20 international Abdulmuiz Adeleke with a view to signing him once he reaches the age of 18.
The left-footed centre-forward is making a splash at the ongoing WAFU B U20 Championship in Côte d'Ivoire, where he inspired the Flying Eagles to a 4-2 victory over Ghana's Black Satellites in their opening match with a well-taken brace.
There are reports that Adeleke has already signed a preliminary contract with Chelsea, but the fact is that the attacker would not be eligible to play for the Blues even after turning 18, as he does not qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
The Sporting Supreme talent has yet to make his top-flight debut in the Nigeria Premier Football League and has not been capped by the Super Eagles, meaning Chelsea would be expected to send him out on loan if they complete his signing.
Hamza disclosed that Adeleke previously trained with both Chelsea and Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg, where he left a positive impression.
"He trained with Chelsea. From the training session, there's interest from Chelsea. He also went to Strasbourg and trained there. When he is 18, we will see where he will go," Hamza said in an exclusive interview with allnigeriasoccer.com.
The Sporting Supreme chief added that Chelsea are not the only club keeping tabs on the teenager, noting that several top European sides have been watching him closely during the regional tournament in Ivory Coast.
"Muiz Adeleke is a player of Sporting Supreme. There is much interest from many big clubs watching him in Ivory Coast. At his age, before you can see this level, it is very hard," Hamza added.
Before earning promotion to Nigeria's U20 national team, Adeleke represented the Golden Eaglets.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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