Chelsea will reportedly look to sign 19-year-old Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai from Trabzonspor in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Africa Foot, Christ Inao Oulai is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a promising young midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 19-year-old Trabzonspor whizkid has emerged as a target for the West London club.
Apart from Chelsea, Galatasaray will also attempt to sign the Ivorian midfield sensation this month. However, while the Turkish Super Lig champions have offered €20 million to sign Oulai, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup winners have submitted a bid worth €40 million to land him. Meanwhile, Trabzonspor will demand around €50 million to part ways with the youngster in the winter transfer window.
Who is Christ Inao Oulai?
Christ Inao Oulai is the latest promising prospect from his homeland to rise in prominence. A native of Yopougon, the teenage prospect spent most of his formative years thus far in the Ivory Coast and graduated from the youth division at JMG Academy Abidjan. The 19-year-old arrived in Europe by joining SC Bastia in July 2024 before moving to Turkiye a year later.
The Ivory Coast international has made gradual progress during his spell with Trabzonspor thus far, making 11 appearances while chipping in with two goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Oulai’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Chelsea will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Christ Inao Oulai may be surprising, but it is understandable. The Blues have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia have been in the treatment room for most of the 2025/26 campaign thus far.
So, the Premier League giants are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit in the winter transfer window. Several candidates, including Douglas Luiz, have thus emerged on Chelsea’s wishlist, with Oulai also a viable target. The latest report has revealed that they have submitted a bid worth €40 million to sign the 19-year-old Ivorian midfield sensation.
However, while Chelsea’s bid worth €40 million is double that of Galatasaray’s offer of €20 million, Trabzonspor will demand around €50 million to part ways with Oulai. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can convince Trabzonspor to sell the Ivory Coast international for €40 million.
