Chelsea are reportedly set to continue their recruitment drive for young prospects, with 18-year-old prodigy Zak Sturge likely to join next.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made yet another coup in their quest to further enhance their ranks in the youth department. They have recently reached a personal agreement with Zak Sturge, who is currently a free agent after opting not to extend his contract at Brighton & Hove Albion.
A left-back by trade, Sturge was regarded highly in the Brighton youth academy that has already produced a bunch of top-quality players in recent years. Although he had not made a single competitive appearance for the Seagulls, the English whizkid produced a series of top-class performances in the youth leagues over the past couple of years.
Indeed, Sturge was the star player for the Brighton Under-18 team, featuring in over 40 matches and racking up five assists. His rapid rise to prominence had even earned him a few appearances for the Brighton reserve side, and the youngster would have surely gotten a call-up to the senior side ahead of the coming season.
But the 18-year-old opted to run down his contract at the Amex Stadium, in favour of a move elsewhere. And if the latest reports are to be believed, he is set for a new adventure in the youth setup at Chelsea.
Chelsea are also working on talents for the future. Agreement in place to sign English left back Zak Sturge, as he’s not signing new contract with Brighton ??????? #CFC @TheSecretScout_
The 18-year-old follows Tyler Dibling and Shumaira Mheuka to Cobham.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
The Blues are no strangers when it comes to developing talents, having overseen the rapid rise of players such as Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James in recent years. Although Roman Abramovich’s ouster has altered many things about the club, Chelsea remain committed to seeking youngsters from across Europe and integrating them into the first team.
Chelsea are already expected to rope in Tyler Dibling from Southampton. And someone like Zak Sturge, to that end, could be another smart coup for Thomas Tuchel, as far as his plans to improve the ranks in the academy is concerned.
A talented left-back who has impressed the onlookers with his athleticism and attacking prowess, Sturge could prove to be a valuable asset for Chelsea in the years to come, especially with Marcos Alonso being subjected to a move to FC Barcelona.
However, at the age of just 18, the former Brighton starlet has a long way to go and must initially make an impression in the Chelsea reserve side before he can make a case for being included in the first team, in the coming years.
