Chelsea to sign 18-year-old Hafiz Umar from Ojodu City

Chelsea FC are reportedly set to sign 18-year-old Hafiz Umar from Ojodu City academy in Nigeria.

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, an Italian journalist, the Blues plan to purchase the Nigerian after a “very positive trial” with the club’s academy.

Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Ojodu City for a deal that would see Hafiz join the club or be loaned out to Strasbourg in the French Ligue 1.

Hafiz impressed scouts across Europe with his performance at the Viareggio Cup, a youth competition in Italy, in February.

He scored nine goals for Ojodu City, which reached the semi-final but lost to Beyond Limits of Ikenne, the eventual winner.

The Kano-born striker was initially on trial at Bodo/Glimt FC in Norway. But he opted out of a permanent deal after Chelsea showed interest.

Hafiz was convinced to join Chelsea on trial after a video call with Raheem Sterling in March.

Hafiz is not the only Nigerian youngster who has switched from Nigerian clubs to European heavyweights.

In 2023, Internazionale Milan signed 18-year-old Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from Remo Stars.

Later that year, Benjamin Frederick, former Flying Eagles star, joined Bretford City in the English Premier League (EPL).