Player arrives Cobham today and will train with Chelsea for two weeks.
In a strategic move, Chelsea Football Club has extended a two-week trial opportunity to 18-year-old Nigerian striker Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, facilitated by the involvement of Raheem Sterling in the process.
Ibrahim, hailing from Ojodu City in Nigeria, caught the attention of Chelsea scouts despite undergoing a trial with Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt just last week.
Scheduled to commence his trial at Cobham on Monday, Ibrahim’s journey to Chelsea included obtaining a visa and engaging in a crucial video call with Raheem Sterling.
Alert: Ojodu FC’s Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has arrived in London and will be at Chelsea from Monday for two weeks before signing a contract with the Blues.
In February, Chelsea had Raheem Sterling jump on a video call with the young Nigerian striker to convince him of their interest.… https://t.co/i8JPVGFlAR pic.twitter.com/LiHP68Oi1y
— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) March 24, 2024
The young prospect, praised for his prowess on the field, is set to vie for a coveted contract at Chelsea, with the prospect of training under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino.
This move aligns with Chelsea’s burgeoning interest in talent from African academies, with Joe Shields, the co-director of recruitment and talent, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating Ibrahim’s trial.
Should Ibrahim impress during his stint at Chelsea, a potential pathway to the club’s partner outfit, Strasbourg in France, awaits him.
Ibrahim’s footballing aptitude has garnered widespread attention, especially after his remarkable performance at the Viareggio Cup in Italy earlier this year, where he showcased his striking capabilities by netting 10 goals in six games, including one against Manchester City’s Under-21s.
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, Ibrahim draws comparisons to former Chelsea stalwart Romelu Lukaku, whose formidable presence on the field has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Ibrahim recently told Soccernet Nigeria:
“[I like Lukaku] because he fights, he’s strong, he scores, he helps his team, he does everything.”
As Chelsea continues to fortify its roster with promising talents, Ibrahim’s journey represents a significant step towards realizing his aspirations on the grand stage of professional football.
If Ibrahim doesn’t secure a contract at Stamford Bridge, clubs in Spain and Italy stand prepared to offer him trial opportunities.
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