A year ago
Fabrizio Romano confirms “documents and contracts sealed” for Chelsea signing
Chelsea Football Club has completed the signing of Alex Matos from Norwich City on a free transfer. The 18-year-old winger or midfielder has been a highly-regarded prospect in Norwich's Under-18 and Under-21 sides, and his signing is part of Chelsea's project to build a top Under-21 team. The final documents and contracts have been signed in the last 24 hours, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Matos had reportedly been courted by bigger teams than Norwich City when he joined them, but chose the Canaries due to their excellent youth setup. Chelsea's signing of Matos brings their total number of signings this season to 17, as they head into their third transfer window since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's ownership takeover.
The signing of Matos is a sign that Chelsea is continuing to invest in building the best young team in the country, after a few years where standards have slipped. However, there are concerns that the pathways of these youngsters to first team action could be blocked, resulting in their eventual sale for a pittance with no senior appearances to their name.
Chelsea's search for a new manager continues, with Frank Lampard currently holding the position of head coach on an interim basis. Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily linked with the job, but no final agreement has been reached yet. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique were previously linked but are no longer under consideration, while Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was also thought to be of interest.
Whoever is chosen to lead Chelsea into next season will have to offload several first team players, especially as more signings come through the door. Matos will likely join up with his new teammates in Chelsea's development squad next season, hoping to play himself into the plans for the future.
In conclusion, the signing of Alex Matos from Norwich City is part of Chelsea's project to build a top Under-21 team and invest in the future of the club. However, the club needs to ensure that the pathways of these young talents to first team action are not blocked, resulting in their eventual sale for a pittance with no senior appearances to their name. The search for a new manager continues, with Mauricio Pochettino heavily linked with the job. The new manager will have to offload several first team players, especially as more signings come through the door. Matos will be hoping to play himself into the plans for the future and join the likes of other top young talents at Chelsea.
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