EPL: 18-year-old Nigerian striker, Hafiz Umar to sign for Chelsea

Young Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is close to signing for Chelsea after a positive trial period with the Premier League club.

This was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday night.

Romano wrote on X: “Young Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar (18) on the verge of joining Chelsea after very positive trial with the Academy.

“Chelsea are closing in on deal with Ojodu City Academy to decide whether they want to loan Hafiz to Strasbourg or sign him for #CFC.”

Blues winger, Raheem Sterling, had spoken to Ibrahim on a video call, playing a key role in securing him a trial at the club.

The teenager has attracted interest from several top European clubs after scoring 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup.

Ibrahim, a 6ft 2in target man, plays for Ojodu City in Lagos State and previously had a trial at Bodo/Glimt in Norway.