Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Leo Black after he left Tottenham on a free transfer earlier this summer, and below are five facts on the youngster.
Black, 20, left Spurs after 12 years in the North London club’s academy. But the midfielder left Spurs having failed to make a single senior appearance for the club, despite being a regular for the U21s.
Now, according to reporter Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea are set to sign the former Spurs youngster: “Former Tottenham youngster Leo Black is set to join Chelsea after leaving Spurs earlier this summer.
“He has decided to make the move to Chelsea, signing a two-year deal,” O’Rourke continued. Below, we have five facts on the Spurs academy product, who is set to move across London in the coming days.
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Five facts on imminent Chelsea arrival Leo Black
His 12 years at Tottenham, including his U21 appearances
Black came through Tottenham’s academy having joined the club at just eight years old. He would go on to play 45 times in all competitions for Spurs’ U18 and U19 sides, including in the UEFA Youth League.
That form would earn Black a promotion to the U21 side over the last couple of seasons. Records show he has since played 46 times for the second string, having a hand in six goals. But he’s yet to make his debut.
Cheltenham Town v Tottenham Hotspur U21 - Vertu Trophy
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Choosing Chelsea over Chris Wilder and European interest
According to O’Rourke, Black is set to pen a Chelsea contract until the summer of 2028. However, the Blues were not the only side interested in signing the midfielder, who remains a free agent until now.
Indeed, Chris Wilder was keen to lure him to Championship side Sheffield United ahead of a potential push for promotion to the Premier League. Newly-promoted Portuguese side Academico were also keen.
Scored against Chelsea just months before Stamford Bridge move
The race for the Premier League 2 title is now decided by play-offs. Spurs found themselves in the quarter-finals against Chelsea, and Black played a key role in Tottenham’s 3-1 win over the Blues.
Indeed, Black scored one of his three goals during 2025-26 in the 3-1 win, while also laying on an assist as Spurs reached the semi-finals before eventually losing to Brighton. Chelsea were knocked out.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Incredible versatility despite natural holding midfield role
Naturally a holding midfielder or a no.6, Black has been used almost as a utility player while at Spurs and certainly since his promotion to the second string. He has been used further forward, and at right-back.
So much so that it remains unclear what Black’s best position really is. Though, more often than not, he is used in the middle of the park. Perhaps, he will find his new position in the blue of Chelsea next term.
Ange Postecoglou recognition and England youth caps
Black failed to make a single senior appearance for Spurs, but he was close. During Ange Postecoglou’s reign as manager at Tottenham, the Aussie gaffer often promoted Black to first-team Tottenham training.
Ange Postecoglou while at Tottenham
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Recognition has not only come in Tottenham training. A two-time England U18 international, Black then became a regular for the U19 side, winning nine caps for the Young Lions at that level. An impressive CV.