Chelsea Unveil New Signing Honest Ahanor
COBHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28 : In this image released on September 1,2026, Chelsea unveil new signing Honest Ahanor at Chelsea Training Ground on August 28, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
It does seem like Chelsea have had more sights for experienced players that can make an immediate impact in our first-team this summer. This doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned plans to bet on young players who impress in other European leagues as it was the case with former Sporting players, Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo.
Just like with the Portuguese duo Chelsea have agreed a deal with Italian club Atalanta to acquire 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor. The Italian centre-back, who already has two caps with his national team, will join the Blues in July 2027 on a reported £40m total fee.
Ahanor joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer on a €20m transfer. He was a somewhat costly bet for La Dea that had great returns on the pitch, with solid outings both in Serie A and the Champions League.
Instead of spending next season with the Italian team Ahanor will instead join Crystal Palace on loan. There he will connect with Chelsea loanee and fellow centre-back, Axel Disasi.
Welcome, Honest! Let’s win some things in a year!