C helsea have turned their attention to River Plate youngster Joaquín Freitas, with an interesting plan already being considered for his development.
The Blues could sign the 20-year-old and then send him straight to Strasbourg, giving him the chance to get regular football in Europe.
That’s according to Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo, who say Chelsea have recently started following the River Plate prospect.
For Chelsea, the Strasbourg part of the story makes plenty of sense. Their BlueCo connection gives them another route for developing young players before deciding whether they’re ready for Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could take advantage of River situation
Joaquín Freitas’ situation in Argentina may help Chelsea if they decide to make a move.
The youngster looked ready to establish himself in River Plate’s first team earlier this year. He managed to get into the starting XI for several matches.
Things haven’t gone quite as smoothly under Eduardo Coudet. Freitas is now moving between the starting line-up and the bench, and El Crack Deportivo suggest River could therefore consider cashing in.
Chelsea are presented as a possible destination. The plan would then be for Freitas to head to Strasbourg and pick up experience in French football.
That would obviously be a sizeable jump for a player still finding his place at senior level.
Freitas has made 22 official appearances for River’s first team, scoring once and adding one assist. His numbers at reserve level were much more eye-catching, with 11 goals and three assists from 34 matches.
Huge clause shouldn’t tell the whole story
Joaquín Freitas only recently signed his professional contract with River Plate, tying himself to the Argentine club until December 2028. River also protected him with a release clause worth around €86m (£75m).
That’s clearly a huge figure for someone at this stage of his career. El Crack Deportivo point out Transfermarkt currently value the youngster at just €1m (£870k).
Obviously there’s no suggestion Chelsea would have to get anywhere near that €86m (£75m) clause to complete a deal.
The more relevant detail may be Freitas’ current lack of guaranteed minutes. River have a highly rated youngster who isn’t quite establishing himself under Coudet, while Chelsea have a development route available through Strasbourg.
That doesn’t mean a transfer is close. For now, Chelsea are said to be following Freitas. Yet the proposed Strasbourg step suggests there may already be some thought behind what they would do with him if that interest develops.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.