Chelsea are poised to complete the signing of 20-year-old Spanish striker Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid for a staggering £35 million. The young talent is set to put pen to paper on a seven-year contract, committing his future to the Blues until 2031.
Omorodion made the switch to Atletico Madrid from Granada in 2023 and spent the last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves. During his loan spell, he netted nine goals and contributed one assist across 35 appearances. Despite showcasing his potential, Atletico Madrid have opted to sell him, influenced by their recent signing of Alexander Sorloth and the impending arrival of Julian Alvarez, which has left no space for Omorodion in Diego Simeone’s squad.
Chelsea's pursuit of Omorodion was not without its hurdles. The club's initial bid was rejected, but they eventually secured the deal for £35 million. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have been agreed upon, and the transfer is now subject to a medical examination. Interestingly, Manchester City's involvement in the transfer market, particularly with Alvarez joining Atletico, played a role in facilitating Omorodion's move to Chelsea.
The signing of Omorodion has generated mixed reactions among Chelsea supporters. While some fans are excited about the young striker's potential, others are sceptical about adding another unproven talent to the squad. Critics argue that Chelsea needs experienced players to remain competitive, especially with the new Premier League season rapidly approaching.
Enzo Maresca will have a clearer picture of his starting lineup for their opening game against Manchester City after a full pre-season tour of the United States. However, the addition of Omorodion raises questions about whether the team is sufficiently prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Some supporters are worried that relying heavily on young, unproven talent could hinder Chelsea's performance in the Premier League.
Despite these concerns, Chelsea remains active in the transfer market. The club's ongoing interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen suggests that Omorodion's signing does not preclude other potential acquisitions. Romano noted that Chelsea are still in talks with Napoli, although any deal for Osimhen is contingent upon the player accepting a loan move, as he currently favours a permanent transfer with a substantial salary.
Ultimately, the success of this strategy will be closely scrutinised as the new season unfolds, and fans eagerly await to see how Omorodion and the rest of the team perform on the pitch. With a seven-year contract and a significant transfer fee, the pressure is on Omorodion to deliver and prove himself as a valuable addition to the Chelsea squad.