Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS Chelsea's first January signing

Cameron Smith

• 22 Jan 2026 14:34 GMT
• 6 min read

News

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Yisa Alao, according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have been locked in advanced negotiations over a deal for the 17-year-old in recent days and they have now made a final breakthrough in talks.

That is according to Romano, who posted on X: “Chelsea agree deal to sign talented 17 year old fullback Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, here we go!

“Initial fee over £500k plus heavy add-ons. Chelsea beat 3 more PL top clubs to the signing.”

Manchester United, who reportedly had a bid rejected for Alao in December, were also in talks to sign the 17-year-old this month, however they have now been beaten to his signature by Chelsea.

It’s understood that add-ons could take the deal past the £1 million mark, with Alao set to become Chelsea’s first signing of the January transfer window.

The 17-year-old made his senior debut for Sheffield Wednesday against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup first round back in August and he started his first ever Championship game versus Portsmouth last week.

However, he was excluded from Sheffield Wednesday’s matchday squad for their 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City on Tuesday, and he is now close to joining Chelsea.

Chelsea chase Jeremy Jacquet

After finalising a deal for Alao, Chelsea will likely resume their pursuit of Stade Rennais central defender Jeremy Jacquet.

The Blues have earmarked the France U21 international as their priority target for the winter window and they are locked in talks over a January deal.

However, Rennes are currently demanding a fee of over €65 million, while rumours suggest Chelsea may opt to sign Jacquet before loaning him straight back to the Ligue 1 club for the remainder of the season, despite their need for defensive reinforcements.

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