Chelsea eye Nigerian striker, Hafis Umar

Chelsea are set to sign Ojodu City Academy’s Hafis Umar, a striker who was once close to joining FK Bodo/Glimt in Norway, but will now join the Blues instead.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a transfer expert, the Premier League giants reached the decision to sign the 18-year-old after a positive trial with the club’s academy.

Umar was handed a trial with the Blues back in March, and it appears they have now come to a decision on the Nigerian.

Romano wrote on his X handle, “Excl: young Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar (18) is on the verge of joining Chelsea after a very positive trial with the academy.

“Chelsea are closing in on a deal with Ojodu City Academy to decide whether they want to loan Hafiz to Strasbourg or sign him for #CFC.”

As has been the case since Chelsea were taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, the Blues have been looking to sign the best young talents from around the world, and Umar appears to be the next one to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Umar caught the eye of Chelsea and other European clubs at the Viareggio Cup, where he finished top scorer with 10 goals.

Once Chelsea complete the deal, they face the decision of whether to keep the striker with their academy or send him on loan to Strasbourg, like they did with Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos.

Although it’s uncertain whether Umar will ultimately break into Chelsea’s first team, the club can take comfort in knowing that they can potentially recoup their investment and even make a profit by selling him in the future.

If the deal is finalized, Umar will become the latest Nigerian player to join Chelsea’s prestigious roster, following in the footsteps of notable predecessors like Victor Moses, Kenneth Omeruo, Mikel Obi, Ola Aina, and Celestine Babayaro, who have all proudly worn the Blues’ jersey.

Punch