Official: Chelsea sign talented midfielder from Premier League rivals

With a statement on their official website, Chelsea have announced the signing of promising midfielder Ollie Harrison from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

The 16-year-old joins the Blues on a scholarship deal and will continue his development with the club's U18 squad this season.

An England underage international, Harrison was part of the England U16 squad that won the 50th Mondial Montaigu Tournament in France in 2023. 

Karim Benzema, Andrea Pirlo, Marcel Desailly, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé played in the Mondial Montaigu Tournament as youngsters. 

Harrison started twelve matches for Newcastle United in the U18 Premier League in his final season as a schoolboy - a testament to his ability. 

The highly-rated teenager was on target against Sunderland U18s in a league game back in March. 

Chelsea's intake of academy scholars for the 2023-2024 season includes Genesis Antwi, Leo Cardoso, Kai Crampton, Kiano Dyer, Saheed Olagunju, Frankie Runham, Shaun Wade and Marcell Washington.

Chelsea U18s began the season on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. 

Nigerian football tactician Hassan Sulaiman will coach Chelsea U18s this season. 

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com