Chelsea 'determined' to win race for record-breaking wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 12 Dec 2025 08:37 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Chelsea are reportedly “determined” to beat Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of PEC Zwolle wonderkid Jadiel Pereira da Gama.

The 15-year-old midfielder, who recently became the youngest ever debutant in Eredivisie history, has made seven first-team appearances so far this season and his development is being closely tracked by a number of clubs across Europe.

The Netherlands U17 international has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in European football over the past few months and Chelsea have earmarked him as a future target amid their continued pursuit of the best youngsters in world football.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that Enzo Maresca’s side will face significant competition from both Man City and Tottenham in the race to land Pereira da Gama.

The Dutchman has also attracted interest from several other top-level European teams, although it’s reported that a move to the Premier League currently looks likely to be his next step.

However, due to his age, Pereira da Gama would be unable to move to an English top flight club until January 2028 - after his 18th birthday takes place on 15 December 2027.

Chelsea transfer plans

Pereira da Gama is the latest wonderkid to be added to Chelsea’s transfer wishlist as the Blues continue to scour the globe for the best youngsters in world football.

They have already agreed deals for Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev and Denner to join the club next summer, while the Stamford Bridge outfit have also finalised future transfers for Mohamed Zongo and Deinner Ordonez.

In regards to potential first-team signings in 2026, the reigning Club World Cup winners have recently added both Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson to their transfer radar, with Strasbourg star Valentino Barco also possibly set to move to west London next year.

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