Reece James’ father is known for his elite-level coaching. The Chelsea skipper and Lauren James both credit Nigel James for playing a big part in their careers – and now he’s been mentoring a Blues teen.
When Xabi Alonso finally starts his work as Chelsea manager at the beginning of next month, he will have a raft of players to choose from, especially with so many players returning from loans and the World Cup.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
With Chelsea failing to qualify for Europe, Alonso will be tasked with reducing that number. One, because such a big squad is unnecessary for a side competing only domestically, and two, Chelsea need the cash.
The lack of financial injection from Europe means player sales are required. Marc Cucurella’s £52m move to Real Madrid helps, but plenty are set to be sold or leave on loan. Dastan Satpaev could be the latter.
Nigel James has been mentoring Dastan Satpaev
The 17-year-old, a £3.5m signing from Kairat Almaty, will play his final game for the Kazakhstan side this week. The Mail report that he will be given a presentation and a lap of honour after his final match.
It comes after Satpaev has had a hand in 34 goals for Kairat, in just 54 games. Incredible numbers for a player so young, and it is what convinced Chelsea to sign the teenage attacker despite his tender years.
Satpaev will not be allowed to play for Chelsea until he turns 18 on August 12, but Chelsea have made a special request for Satpaev to leave Kairat mid-season, so he can get involved in pre-season training.
It comes after Nigel James’ mentoring of the youngster. The Mail says Reece’s old man has flown out to Kazakhstan; he’s toured the facilities; he’s spoken to him, and Chelsea value his judgment of mentality.
Indeed, James is such a big fan of the versatile attacker that he is noted as branding Satpaev as “the most-exciting player to emerge from Kazakhstan”. It might be slim pickings, but Satpayev is a huge talent.
Xabi Alonso will make a Strasbourg decision regarding Satpaev
Alonso had done background work on Satpaev months ago, even before there was any inkling of him becoming Chelsea manager. Indeed, Real Madrid beat Satpaev’s Kairat Almaty 5-0 last September.
Who do you want to see Chelsea sign for each of these positions? 👀
These are the FOUR areas the club have identified for this summer…
- Goalkeeper
- Central defender
- Central midfielder
- Left winger
Kairat’s owner says Alonso told him he had compiled reports of Satpaev during his time at Madrid. Whether they were with the intent of signing him, or a scout report of Madrid’s opponents, is unclear.
Now, Alonso has the chance to work with Satpaev. The Mail’s report states that Alonso and his coaching staff will observe the 17-year-old before deciding if he should join Strasbourg on loan this summer.
What Chelsea must avoid is a repeat of Kendry Paez. The Ecuador international was sent to Strasbourg before going to River Plate on a loan until 2027, a deal now cut short with concerns over his attitude.
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