Chelsea close in on deal for 18-year-old Nigerian striker following successful trial | OneFootball

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of young Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar after a positive trial with the club’s academy according to reports.

The 18-year-old was handed a trial with the Blues back in March and it appears they have now come to a decision in regards to the Nigerian.

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 talent from around the world, and Hafiz Umar appears to be the next one to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea close in on Nigerian striker

Umar caught the eye of Chelsea and other European clubs at an international youth tournament called the Viareggio Cup, where he finished as the top scorer with ten goals.

The striker currently plays for Ojodu City Academy in Nigeria and had reportedly been close to a move to Norwegian side FK Bodo/Glimt, but the move was denied.

Now transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported the Blues are closing in on a deal to sign the teenager following a positive trial period.

He took to X and said:

“Excl: 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 #CFC.

Once Chelsea complete the deal they face the decision of whether to keep the striker with the club’s academy or send him on loan to Strasbourg like they have done with Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos.

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The Blues have got top South American talents Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian arriving at the club in 2025, with their drive to sign the best young talents showing no sign of slowing up.

Whether Hafiz Umar ends up making an appearance for the first team remains to be seen, but at worst the club will feel they can sell him for a profit down the line.