Chelsea have secured the signing of highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder Mohamed Zongo from Burkina Faso, beating competition from Manchester City, Manchester United, and other European clubs.
Zongo, currently with SF Cascades in Burkina Faso, will first join Chelsea’s sister club, RC Strasbourg, to gain experience before any potential future promotion to the senior Chelsea squad.
The teenager recently turned 16 and impressed scouts at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in Burkina Faso’s run to the quarter-finals, scoring decisive goals including a winner against Germany.
He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also operate on the wing, cutting in on his preferred left foot. Observers praise him for his athleticism, tactical intelligence, and ability to transition quickly from defense to attack.
Chelsea view the move as a long-term investment in young talent, with the initial period at Strasbourg intended to provide regular playing time and high-level development.
If he performs well, Zongo could be integrated into Chelsea’s pool of prospects at their Cobham training base. Reports suggest that the pathway offered by BlueCo through Strasbourg helped Chelsea secure the teenager ahead of rival clubs.
The deal highlights Chelsea’s strategy under BlueCo to identify top young players early and channel them through their affiliated clubs to prepare for first-team football.
If he fulfills his potential, Zongo could become one of the youngest African-born players to feature in the Premier League under Chelsea’s renewed focus on youth development.
Source: Standard / Yahoo
