Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the signing of Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa, marking their third acquisition of the summer transfer window. The deal for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder is valued at up to £19 million.
According to a report by Daily Post, Kellyman's transfer was confirmed less than 24 hours after Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Ian Maatsen. The promising young talent has committed to a six-year contract with the Blues, securing his place at Stamford Bridge until 2030.
Kellyman made only two Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last season. Despite his limited time on the pitch, his potential caught the attention of Chelsea’s scouts and management, leading to his notable move to one of the Premier League's top clubs.
Kellyman’s signing adds to Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to bolster their squad with young, promising talent. He joins the club following the earlier arrivals of English defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Brazilian winger Estevao Willian. Adarabioyo, a strong and versatile defender, is expected to add depth to Chelsea’s defensive options, while Willian, highly regarded for his pace and creativity, is anticipated to make an impact after his expected year-long stay at Palmeiras.
Kellyman expressed his excitement about the move and his future at Chelsea in a brief statement, "I’m thrilled to join Chelsea and can't wait to start this new chapter of my career. I’m looking forward to working with the team and contributing to our success in the coming seasons."
Chelsea’s decision to secure Kellyman reflects their strategy of investing in youth to build a team capable of sustained success. The club's head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, known for his ability to develop young talent, is expected to play a crucial role in Kellyman’s growth and integration into the first team.
“Omari is a highly talented young player with a lot of potential. We believe he will be an excellent addition to our squad, and we look forward to helping him develop further,” said Chelsea’s sporting director in a statement.
Chelsea’s summer transfer activities indicate a clear intent to strengthen their squad after a challenging previous season. With the addition of Kellyman, Adarabioyo, and Willian, the club aims to enhance its competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
Meanwhile, Estevao Willian, despite being signed by Chelsea, will remain with his current club Palmeiras for another season. This arrangement allows the Brazilian winger to continue his development in familiar surroundings before making the move to England next summer. Willian’s potential arrival is highly anticipated by Chelsea fans, who are eager to see how his dynamic style of play will complement the team’s existing attacking options.