Chelsea are reportedly in the market for Everton prodigy Ishe Samuels-Smith, who is regarded as one of the best in his age group.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are eyeing a summer swoop for Ishe Samuels-Smith. The Everton whizkid is regarded as one of the most gifted young players in the country and is attracting serious interest from other clubs. Chelsea are among the clubs keen on signing Smith, with the Blues determined to snap him up ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The report suggests Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the development of Samuels-Smith for a long time. They feel the youngster is now ready to make the jump to the Chelsea academy this summer, as he continues to impress in the youth competitions in England.
Still only 16, Samuels-Smith has turned many heads with his versatility in the defensive unit within Everton’s youth setup. Although he is a left-back by trade, he can operate on the opposite flank and even at centre-back. It has made him one of the most sought-after youngsters in England, with many even considering him one of the best in his age group.
Chelsea are no stranger to his rapid rise to prominence and want to rope him in ahead of the new season. The west Londoners have produced a host of talented players in recent years, even managing to integrate them into the first team.
? | Ishé Samuels-Smith has been included in the latest @England U17 squad.
Congrats, Ishé! ? #U17EURO https://t.co/391vSkyuHA pic.twitter.com/mt6kz3xhNl
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) March 18, 2022
Indeed, the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all made their way into the Chelsea first team in recent years. It has made Stamford Bridge an appealing destination for young players, especially under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, who is known for his ability to nurture young players.
Although Samuels-Smith is only 16, he has been featuring regularly for the Everton U18 side. It won’t be surprising to see the Toffees hand him a professional contract when he turns 17, which could be seen as an effort to keep him at the club, more than anything else.
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In recent years, Everton have notably lost Thierry Small to Southampton. They are not too keen on history repeating itself with the departure of Samuels-Smith. But with Chelsea involved in the equation, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the race for the 16-year-old whizkid this summer.
