Chelsea are among a host of several European outfits interested in highly-rated Montreal Impact winger Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla.
According to ESPN, Chelsea are among a host of several European outfits that are showing interest in highly-rated Montreal Impact winger Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla. The Blues are joined by Ligue 1 side Lille and Austrian Champions Red Bull Salzburg in the pursuit of the youngster.
The interesting part of the news is that the player comes highly recommended. None other than Blues legend Didier Drogba has recommended the player – one to keep an eye on – to the Chelsea hierarchy. Drogba worked with the player during his short stint in Montreal, according to reports.
ESPN|Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Montreal winger Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla after recieving a tip-off from club legend Didier Drogba. pic.twitter.com/NnfcGSkCvQ
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) July 21, 2017
Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla is a winger born in Ivory Coast. But, the player has chosen to represent Canada at various age levels thus far. The player came through the reserves to make his senior debut at Montreal Impact in April, 2017, scoring on his MLS debut.
The 18-year-old has since accumulated 17 more appearances to his name so far this season, with a total return of 3 goals and an assist – modest returns for a winger. But, his work-rate and potential has caught the eyes of not just the onlookers in MLS, with Chelsea, Lille and Red Bull Salzburg all taking a keen interest in the player.
The right-sided midfielder has a contract that is set to expire in December 2018, though. And with just a year and a half left on his deal with Montreal Impact, the club may have complications in extending the contract, given the widespread interest in the 18-year-old.
Chelsea have always been keen on acquiring the best up-and-coming talents from all across the globe – the club has recently signed Billy Gilmour while also being linked to Richarlison recently.
Tabla, at 18, has already been called up to the Canadian senior team and although the player is yet to make his senior international debut, there is much hype surrounding his potential and has been tipped to have a positive career in the future.
Shot was saved but this was a wonderful dribble by Ballou Tabla, cutting and weaving his way through defenders. #Tekkers #IMFC #MTLvPHI ?? pic.twitter.com/cjyUQ2YI1w
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonitoUSA) July 20, 2017
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea continue to monitor the player or move on Drogba’s recommendation and sign the player. However, even if the Blues do go for Tabla, there is unlikely to be any space in the first-team squad for the 18-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
And, the player might just be loaned out to clubs to gain experience. Hence, we could see a deal where Chelsea sign the player and decide to loan him back to Montreal Impact for a season or two to get him to continue his development at a place where the player is comfortable, used to surroundings and has already struck the right balance in the squad.
