Chelsea announce that they have completed the signing of Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman on a long-term contract.
Chelsea have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman.
Towards the back end of last week, reports emerged that the Blues were considering the surprise £19m addition of the versatile attacker.
Kellyman racked up just five appearances for Villa during 2023-24, his game time coming from the substitutes’ bench when Villa either had a game sewn up or had already suffered defeat.
Nevertheless, with Chelsea and Villa each required to ensure that they meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, separate deals have been conducted for Kellyman and Ian Maatsen that suit all parties.
On Friday night, it was confirmed that Maatsen had signed for Villa, allegedly for a fee of £37.5m, and Chelsea have now pushed through their own addition.
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What did Kellyman have to say?
Speaking to the club’s official website, Kellyman acknowledged that he ‘cannot wait to get started’ having penned a six-year contract.
He said: “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join.
“It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started.”
Furthermore, Kellyman revealed that he was attracted to joining Chelsea due to their commitment to progressing youngsters through their academy system.
The England Under-19 international added: “That was a big attraction for me. I have seen young players stepping into the team and playing week in, week out, in the Premier League and I feel like I will be able to take my opportunity as and when it comes.
“I want to be successful in the Chelsea shirt; to win games and hopefully trophies. [Over time] hopefully, I can become one of the faces on the side of the stadium. I want to become a big player for this club.”
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What now for Kellyman and Chelsea?
Although Kellyman may be given pre-season with the senior side, the chances are that he will be loaned to an EFL club to continue his development.
His only 90 minutes as a professional was in a Europa Conference League qualifier at home to Hibernian in August, with an assist being provided for the second goal in a 3-0 victory.
Chelsea are being linked with an array of other younger talent, including Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino and Barcelona forward Marc Guiu.
However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will wait until after June 30 to sign those players due to it being the final day for accounts to be filed.