“I told him to come to Chelsea this summer and he has agreed to join Chelsea on only one condition-Raheem Sterling has confirmed that £50m striker is set to join Chelsea this summer
Speculations suggest that Raheem Sterling facilitated a virtual meeting with Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, potentially paving the way for the young striker to undergo a trial period at Chelsea. This move comes amidst heightened interest from several prominent European clubs in the 18-year-old Nigerian sensation, who garnered attention after scoring an impressive tally of 10 goals in six matches during the Viareggio Cup.
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, Ibrahim, known for his prowess as a target player, currently plies his trade for Ojodu City in Nigeria. Notably, he had previously undergone a trial stint with Bodo/Glimt in Norway, drawing comparisons to the likes of Romelu Lukaku due to his playing style and abilities.
Following his standout performances, Ibrahim’s profile has soared, prompting Chelsea to extend him a two-week trial opportunity under the watchful eyes of manager Mauricio Pochettino. Should he impress during the trial period and secure a contract, it is envisaged that Ibrahim will join Chelsea’s affiliate club, Strasbourg, in France, to further hone his skills and gain valuable experience.
The initiative to bring Ibrahim to London was facilitated, in part, by Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-director of talent acquisition and recruitment, indicating the club’s growing interest in scouting talent from African football academies.
However, amidst the excitement surrounding Ibrahim’s potential journey, former footballer Paul Merson has cast doubt on Sterling’s prospects of representing England in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. Merson expressed skepticism about Sterling’s inclusion in the squad, suggesting slim to no chances of his participation.
In response, Merson emphasized the need to be realistic about Sterling’s situation, implying that his absence from the Euros complicates his defense and undermines his chances of making a significant impact in the tournament.
