The World Cup is often the breeding ground for new, unearthed talents that eventually make their way to bigger clubs. It sees unlikely stars shine and potential turned into quality; Chelsea are watching.
With Marco Palestra and Valentin Barco expected to be announced in due course, Chelsea are also keen on concluding deals for World Cup stars Granit Xhaka and Maxence Lacroix, as well as Pep Chavarria.
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Chelsea will have their eyes on plenty more, with Xabi Alonso expected to consider signing a goalkeeper, another left-back, a left-sided winger and competition for Joao Pedro up front in the coming months.
His country might have suffered a surprise early knockout from the competition, but Netherlands wide man Crysencio Summerville caught the eye with two goals and two assists in four games for his country.
Patrick Bamford shares what Summerville is like behind scenes
Summerville has emerged as a target for Chelsea this summer, with the Blues supposedly keeping tabs on the Dutchman and captain Jarrod Bowen. It comes after West Ham were relegated to the Championship.
It is quite obvious that Summerville won’t be at West Ham next season, with the likes of Man United and PSG also linked. But Chelsea do need a left-winger with Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens struggling.
While Chelsea fans will be excited by Summerville’s performances on the pitch, what is he like off of it? Speaking in 2024, former Chelsea man Patrick Bamford said how Summerville has grown up off the pitch.
Bamford also predicted Summerville to go on and have a big career, which he’s just emulated at the World Cup: “With Cree we’ve known for three or four seasons. I remember when he first signed.
“Even in training, you thought ‘wow, this kid’s good.’ It was just about him knuckling down in his attitude and getting the other side of it right, really. Even last year I think there were a few question marks.
“He’s come back in the summer, and honestly, it’s like a switch has been turned on. Everything’s coming together. We always knew he was capable. He’s going to go on to big things in the future I’ve no doubt.”
Enzo Maresca wanted to sign Crysencio Summerville in 2024
Rewind two years, and Enzo Maresca’s Leicester had just pipped Leeds United to the Championship title. Leeds went into the play-offs in third place, eventually losing the play-off final to Southampton.
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But Summerville was magic. He won the Championship Player of the Season award and failure to go up, Leeds had to sell Summerville. Report at the time said Maresca, watching closely, wanted him at Chelsea.
He had watched Summerville shine against Leicester, with Leeds taking four points off Maresca’s side that season. But instead, the Dutchman moved to West Ham for a fee that may reach £35m with add-ons.
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