Chelsea are closing in on an addition to their squad, with advanced talks underway to sign United States international left-back Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United. While nothing has been finalised yet, reports suggest Wiley could first develop at Strasbourg before joining the Blues.
At just 19 years old, Wiley has already made a significant mark in Major League Soccer. After joining Atlanta United's academy in 2016, he earned 81 first-team appearances for Atlanta United and two senior international caps for the USA.
Chelsea's transfer strategy for the summer of 2024 is likely to continue the same divisive trend which has seen the club splash out big money on numerous young players since being taken over by Clearlake Capital and appointing Todd Boehly as chairman. But, to ensure compliance with financial regulations and create space for these new additions, the club must offload players like Ian Maatsen, who has completed a move to Aston Villa, and Omari Hutchinson, who is poised to complete a permanent move to Ipswich Town.
The club is eyeing a striker, a goalkeeper, and a left-back, with Wiley being a perfect fit for their vision. According to The Athletic, Chelsea are in advanced talks over a transfer but L'Equipe reports Strasbourg is confident of signing him, a move which would ultimately be a pathway to Stamford Bridge.
The connection between Strasbourg and Chelsea was solidified when the Chelsea ownership company announced in June 2023 that they had agreed to acquire a majority stake in the French Ligue 1 club. This strategic move was designed to foster mutual and sustainable investments in Strasbourg's development, encompassing the first teams and the academy, promising a bright future for both clubs.
The plan was first built upon the groundwork laid by Marc Keller, who will remain the club's president. Since taking over in 2022, Boehly and co. have invested over $1 billion in Chelsea.
Wiley debuted with Atlanta United 2 in 2020 as he moved through the club's ranks. By 2022, he had signed a Homegrown Player contract, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to sign a professional deal. His journey with the club began in 2016 as part of United’s inaugural academy teams. He competed at the Under-12 level even before stars like Miguel Almiron and Josef Martínez debuted the following season.
He was introduced early to high-level soccer, as he worked as a ball boy during the 2018 MLS Cup. The young defender witnessed Atlanta United's 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers to become league champions in 2018.
The match unfolded before a record-breaking crowd of 73,019 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the largest in the event’s history. The young player was especially excited, as the game happened just two weeks before his 14th birthday.
Strasbourg ended last season in the middle of the Ligue 1 table with a balanced performance, achieving 13 wins, 12 draws, and 13 losses. Among the standout players were Emmanuel Emegha, who found the net 11 times, and Kevin Gameiro, who contributed nine goals before leaving the club as a free agent.
Lemabcdstz
1
I am a Chelsea fan, but I want FIFA to ban Chelsea from signing players for at least One or two seasons. in quotes So! So boby water players because they lack of experience.
Fumemoz
0
Chelsea board are confused. how you sale player like Ian and now you're looking for left back. What happens to the 2 you have ? confused board
shot up u know nothing
Fumemoz
0
Meaning Chelsea boards doesn't watch or heard of Lauturo Matinez po...? or we are watching different leagues in this world wereby all people see Lauturo good and Chelsea board see baby strikers are good...? Am failing to understand if it's true we want a top striker but Lauturo is out there banging goals daily....
did lauturo told you he wants to leave inter
Nuncdtyz
3
Good decision!
Yebbeikmpz
0
Chelsea signing everyone available lol .
How many players have Chelsea signed this season
Yebbeikmpz
0
this man didn't buy this club in the love of football he bought the club for business I can quite understand what he's doing buying all the young stars with potentials and sell later after fully developed with lots of profits from the sale just take a look at it a buy of 19m and sold for 45m after a while that's more than 20m gain access this man is gradually destroying my club Chelsea
Football is not Love affair, it’s pure business. Stop your unnecessary ranting
greelishstanleykiimk
2
this man didn't buy this club in the love of football he bought the club for business I can quite understand what he's doing buying all the young stars with potentials and sell later after fully developed with lots of profits from the sale just take a look at it a buy of 19m and sold for 45m after a while that's more than 20m gain access this man is gradually destroying my club Chelsea
Vowbdemop
2
Meaning Chelsea boards doesn't watch or heard of Lauturo Matinez po...? or we are watching different leagues in this world wereby all people see Lauturo good and Chelsea board see baby strikers are good...? Am failing to understand if it's true we want a top striker but Lauturo is out there banging goals daily....
boimamassalay10
1
next season Chelsea gonna be a killer team...
Hepcdkmoyz
0
Chelsea board are confused. how you sale player like Ian and now you're looking for left back. What happens to the 2 you have ? confused board
guy Chelsea is confused period it's high time we start looking inside and discover what we have than buying buying buying
Sucaeilprz
0
Chelsea board are confused. how you sale player like Ian and now you're looking for left back. What happens to the 2 you have ? confused board
Why not read and understand..signing him for Strasbourg..what of in two years hes better than ian masten or was Barcelona"s Jamal known 3 years ago
Cultabz
0
Chelsea signing everything on site...
misabcdenp
0
It was Chelsea under the Russian billionaire Mr Roman Abramovic not these American politicians
GRÄYSÖÑJäy
1
Chelsea has just transfers 4 them too boring almost they want everyone
Vidbcknrs
0
Fake News
kodcnopyz
0
Chelsea signing everyone available lol .
cedabdkstu
1
how old
Hepcdkmoyz
1
Chelsea board are confused. how you sale player like Ian and now you're looking for left back. What happens to the 2 you have ? confused board
peocikmsz
2
Sign Me Please Chelsea Please Please, I'm a Midfielder I'll Assist You ALL Day
peocikmsz
0
I HOPE EPL put a BAN and Chelsea for wasting TOoo much money 💰 & Transfer for some normal PLAYERS!!. My Team, But the owners have no idea & Football. This is not NBA, Hockey are NFL!.[100percent]
MogastyJn
0
This transfer is all about Chelsea 😥
tondlstuy
5
this signing is for Strasbourg not for chelsea
Fotabcdez
2
Just ridiculous decision. Seriously.. please terminate the scout team.
Niminorz
1
xknxkn
Niminorz
1
Chelsea signing players will so be competing with Saudi fan base soon
ndknkd
KHING17
3
OH my Goodness what the hell is wrong with Chelsea
luwcltyz
1
Be careful on the wherever you are Chelsea can sign you while you are asleep
Akildycee
4
Chelsea signing players will so be competing with Saudi fan base soon
cotamnprtu
3
chelsea not again 😢 😒 😑 😕 🙄 😪 😢 😒