Chelsea agree to sign four youngsters - 'I'm not a fan, it's madness'

03/21/2025 04:00 AM

Chelsea may still be fighting for Champions League qualification in the 2024-25 campaign but they have already agreed four big-money transfers for the future.

Sporting CP announced on Wednesday (19 March) that midfielders Geovany Quenda, 17, and Dario Essugo, 20, will join the Blues for a combined fee of around £62.4million.

Essugo will link up with Chelsea this summer, while Quenda will join in time for the 2026-27 season.

Chelsea have already agreed deals for wonderkids Estevao and Kendry Paez, both 18, and both players are already full internationals with their nations ahead of their arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has insisted the four signings are a “big gamble”, despite his experience with Wayne Rooney on Merseyside.

‘I’m not a fan’ of Chelsea’s wonderkid deals, says Wyness

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he is “not a fan” of investing big sums in an “unproven body and unproven mindset”.

Chelsea’s squad has the youngest average age in the Premier League this season (23.5 years old), lower than Brighton (24.3) and Tottenham (24.7).

Wyness told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "This is the madness in the market right now.

"I've seen talent in academies that everyone was convinced about, then they have a growth spurt and it changes.

"Lamine Yamal is in Barcelona and he's great, so there's no doubt there can be ability in this age group.

"It's a big risk to put this kind of money into an unproven body, as well as an unproven mindset.

"I would not be a fan of doing that.

"I say that, even though we sold Wayne Rooney to Man United at Everton. I've experienced what can happen with a teenage player, the phenomenon.

"But in the case of Quenda, it's £40million. It seems to be a lot, but it could be just the madness of the market.

"It depends what Chelsea have tracked down about his DNA, his fitness – but it's a big gamble."

Chelsea will seal Sancho deal – on one condition

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 March) that Chelsea are certain to sign on-loan winger Jadon Sancho if they qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Blues have an obligation to buy the Man United star, 24, for £25million when his loan spell comes to an end this summer.

However, it has emerged that Chelsea can pay a fee to United and cancel the deal if they wish.

The club feel £25million is a good fee for Sancho, who has notched two goals and six assists in 28 appearances this term.

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