Chelsea's next superstar winger sends clear transfer message

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Chelsea have one of the best academies in world football and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen could become the next Cobham graduate to establish himself as a first-team regular over the next few years.

The England youth international made his first-team debut during Chelsea’s 7-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup last season and he was sent on loan to Championship side Portsmouth in mid-August in order to fast-track his development.

Since his arrival at Portman Road, Kavuma-McQueen has quickly established himself as one of the best wingers in the Championship at just 17 years old and his progress will undoubtedly be hugely encouraging for the Chelsea hierarchy.

He has scored one goal and provided one assist in seven appearances for Portsmouth, and his dynamism in attack has been extremely beneficial to John Mousinho’s side. Kavuma-McQueen has been widely praised by Pompey fans thanks to his electric start to life at the club, and he has continued his form into the September international break.

Kavuma-McQueen is already performing at senior level and it’s therefore no surprise that his record in youth football is sublime. He scored 13 goals in 26 academy games for Chelsea last season, while he has been unstoppable every time he has pulled on the England shirt.

The Chelsea starlet scored nine goals in six U15 caps, nine goals in 13 U16 caps, eight goals in six U17 caps, and he has netted twice in two matches for the U18s during the September international break.

Kavuma-McQueen was an unused substitute during England’s 3-2 win over Colombia on 24 September, but he scored the opener in a 2-1 victory against Egypt on Sunday, before firing in a last-minute winner versus South Korea on Wednesday.

In total, he has now scored 28 goals in 27 England youth-team caps, despite the fact he isn’t a centre forward.

Ryan Kavuma-McQueen message

Chelsea have signed at least eight new players in every summer transfer window since the arrival of BlueCo as their new owners and this strategy is unlikely to change anytime soon.

However, thanks to his goals on international duty, Kavuma-McQueen has sent a clear message to the Chelsea board that he is capable of becoming their next superstar winger.

The Blues may be interested in pursuing another wide option amid the struggles of Jamie Gittens, but Kavuma-McQueen could soon be ready for a prominent role at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea hierarchy will no doubt be keeping a close eye on his form for Portsmouth during the remainder of the season.