Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly signed Plymouth Argyle’s 14-year-old youth sensation Harry McGlinchey.
According to Plymouth Live, Chelsea have completed the capture of Harry McGlinchey. The Plymouth Argyle youngster is set to join the Cobham camp during the second half of the campaign to further develop himself in the youth competitions.
There has been no official confirmation surrounding the move from Chelsea’s end, but the report suggests Plymouth Argyle have already bid farewell to the 14-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most gifted talents to come out of the club’s academy in years.
Plymouth have reportedly issued a statement as well, stating, “Plymouth Argyle Football Club can confirm that Harry McGlinchey has left Home Park to accept an opportunity to join a Premier League academy set-up. Senior club staff and representatives spent a great deal of time working with Harry and his family, making the best possible case to keep him at Argyle.”
“However, we fully respect their decision, and that the move represents a life-changing opportunity. Everyone associated with Argyle wishes Harry well for the future.”
The addition of McGlinchey further signifies Chelsea’s plan to shore up their ranks in the youth department. Even in the January transfer window, the Blues had notably completed the capture of Derby County youngster Dylan Williams while Mason Burstow arrived from Charlton Athletic on deadline day.
It appears Thomas Tuchel is prepared to prioritise youth development, given the number of players that have managed to integrate into the first team in recent years.
The son of revered Plymouth star Brian McGlinchey, Harry is a defender by trade, who has mesmerised the Plymouth Argyle fans with his talent in the lower levels. At Chelsea, he will be hoping to follow the footsteps of players like Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah.
However, at the age of just 14, the English prodigy has a long way to go before he can be considered as a senior team candidate. For the time being, the youngster is likely to be drafted into Chelsea’s Under-15 side as he looks to make his way up to the very top.