Chelsea ‘on the verge’ of wonderkid signing – Fabrizio Romano

Robin Bairner

• 24 May 2024 20:11 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are set to complete their first signing of the summer, according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have spent the last two years signing some of the brightest young players in the world and will continue this policy in the forthcoming transfer window.

Romano reports the Blues are close to a deal for Ibrahim Hafiz Umar, who is set to join the Stamford Bridge club from Ojodu City Academy.

READ MORE: Chelsea rival Man Utd and Liverpool for England U18 wonderkid

Taking to X to report the news, he says: “Young Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar (18) on the verge of joining Chelsea after very positive trial with the Academy.

“Chelsea are closing in on deal with Ojodu City Academy to decide whether they want to loan Hafiz to Strasbourg or sign him for the Stamford Bridge side.”

READ MORE: Why did Chelsea sack Mauricio Pochettino?

Umar enjoyed a two-week trial with the Blues in March, in which it appears he sufficiently caught the eye of the coaches.

He was, however, previously close to signing for Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt but rejected the offer when the possibility to train with Chelsea became evident.

What can Chelsea fans expect from Ibrahim Hafiz Umar?

A tall and physical player, Hafiz is said to use his body well when.

Indeed, SoccerNet reports that he models his game on Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan with Roma. He can use both feet well but prefers his left side.

“I’ve never seen a defender that can intimidate me,” Ibrahim he explained. “All I want to do is play and score goals.

“My personal aim is to win the highest scorer award and for my team to win the tournament,”

AC Milan and Inter were previously linked with the attacker, who is said to be valued between €500,000 and €700,000 by his agents.

It appears, though, that Chelsea have won the race for the promising forward.