While Chelsea’s on-pitch performances haven’t impressed fans in recent weeks, the Blues’ transfer activity is one element to keep an eye on. Under new owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea have shifted their focus to bringing in young players with high future potential. And if recent reports are to be believed, the Blues’ hierarchy are now targeting Middlesbrough’s, Finley Cartwright.
Todd Boehly who took over from Roman Abramovich in the summer of 2022, had reportedly set a ‘Vision 2030‘ in motion since he joined. A major part of this project are the up-and-coming brightest prospects of world football. Except for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling, all of Chelsea’s 15 signings have been under the age of 23.
Even the incoming transfers of summer 2023 – the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto fall under that category. And hence it comes as little surprise that Boehly and the new board of Chelsea continue to do the same by monitoring Middlesbrough’s Finley Cartwright.
According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have begun their scouting process on the 17-year-old midfield prodigy. A concrete offer has not been submitted by CFC, suggesting they want to take their time before making an official bid. It has been also said that he will slot straight into the current crop of academy players at Cobham along with the other bright talents that have already made their name at the training ground.
Understand Chelsea are now monitoring Middlesbrough young midfielder Finley Cartwright, talent born in 2006 🔵🏴 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2023
He’s one of many prospects in the list to improve the academy and bring in new talents. pic.twitter.com/vkFMOTFbLG
So who is the bright English starlet that the experts at Chelsea have targeted?
Who is Chelsea target Finley Cartwright?
Finley Cartwright is an English midfielder, born in 2006, and plays for the northern club’s youth team. He has made appearances for the Boro in all age groups, although the 2022-23 season is when he has really made his mark.
Cartwright has been part of MFC’s youth setup since the age of 6 and his progress has sky-rocketed in recent seasons. Currently playing for Boro’s U18 and U21 on the odd occasion, he has caught the eye of many scout experts and most notably the ones at Chelsea Football Club. The west London side are interested in securing the young midfielder’s signature but will have to wait and see if the Championship club want to part ways with one of their prized assets.
Finley Cartwright’s stats
Not every midfielder is a stat darling like Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, and Middlesbrough’s Cartwright is no different. Despite some dominant performances in midfield for the Boro’s, he has yet to score in his short career. The 17-year-old also has played three games for the England U16s and is yet to open his account for the young Three Lions as well.
Overall, Cartwright has made a total of eight appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough U18, playing over 350 minutes in the process – starting every game. Even though the rising star hasn’t scored for club or country yet, with the kind of performances he delivers week in-week out, it is only a matter of time before he puts that ball in the back of the net.
Finley Cartwright’s scout report
The 17-year-old midfielder has been likened to a more box-to-box profile. Cartwright likes to drive up the pitch with the ball at his feet, with ball progression his biggest strength.
Another valuable asset of the English prodigy is his strength on and off the ball and his reading of the game in tight situations. While he is far from the finished product, the flaws in his game have often put his team in trouble.
Crossing the ball has often been his weaker skills which usually ends up in turnover of possession of the ball – which leads to counter-attacks. With time he might brush off the minor flaws in his game, and should Chelsea get their man, the Blues will also have a future leader in store for their first-team.
Finley Cartwright’ transfer news
It has been no secret that Chelsea have been monitoring Cartwright for quite some time now. If history is anything to go by, young players that have been linked with CFC, usually end up at Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly’s change of direction with respect to transfers might be the only silver lining in this rather calamitous debut season under the new American owner. It is yet to be confirmed whether Middlesbrough want to sell their most prized asset of their academy. And with promotion to Premier League looking likely under new manager Micheal Carrick, they might want to keep hold of the young star. Either way, any new developments on the player’s future depends on an official offer and that might be on its way sooner rather than later.