Continuing the desire of Chelsea’s management to assemble the youngest starting XI of the Premier League.
There are several stories today that Chelsea has finally settled for a £19m deal that will bring another teenage prospect from Aston Villa which is Omari Kellyman.
The two sides have been having discussions over several possible transfer deals including Ian Maatsen, Jhon Durán and even Conor Gallagher.
However, Omari Kellyman’s name was never mentioned anywhere, at least no rumors regarding him.
Thus, this deal may be considered quite unexpected. Chelsea, it seems, first expressed an interest in taking up Kellyman in January.
Kellyman is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder, Since the dawning of his professional career, he has proven himself a versatile and resourceful player.
He started his career with Aston Villa two years ago after he was signed from Derby County academy.
Villa last season, he played in eight matches for Aston Villa though he started his initial stint with the team during the UEFA Europa League qualifiers the previous summer.
Read More – Omari Kellyman Joins Chelsea Amid Youth-Focused Transfer Strategy
To date, it still is the only senior professional start that he has had. There was a slight hitch when he injured his hamstring over the winter which put him out of action for a while.
However, he was included in the matchday squad for the final eight of the nine Premier League matches of the season and played a couple of times.
The Telegraph points out that Kellyman is “regarded in a similar vein as Kai Havertz.”
If this comparison is indeed the case, then this could not be seen as the most reassuring, because Chelsea did not know how to use Kai Havertz properly.
There is no clear concept or strategy for Chelsea about what could be the best course of action to take concerning Kellyman.
While there is no doubt that there is a wealth of young attacking talent already in the team where product former Villa Carney Chukwuemeka hails, signs Kellyman will be quickly given many minutes during the match.
Perhaps a loan move was on the cards for him.
Chelsea does not slow down when it comes to the policy of youth affiliation of the team.
Another aspect that points to youth orientation is the fact that acquisition by Kellyman occurs in line with the club’s general focus on the youth. This leads to the emergence of fierce competition for minutes on the playing pitch.
Kellyman will start enjoying the benefits of his appointment but for him to fit in he has to fight against other talents employed in the company.
A loan might afford him the necessary experience and playing time that he needs to secure a first team spot.
