Report: Sources claim Chelsea managed to sign an absolutely ‘outstanding’ youngster just before sanctions hit

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Chelsea were able to squeeze in one more signing before the UK government shackled Roman Abramovich.

According to The Athletic, the Blues recently acquired Leo Cardoso from West Bromwich Albion.

Cardoso joined the European champions at the start of the month, around a week before the freezing of Abramovich’s assets.

Under the current regulations, the club cannot add any new players to their numerous squads until the Russian’s successor is fitted.

This makes the transfer of Cardoso even more important, considering it could be the last Chelsea supporters see for a while.

That’s if they actually knew it happened.

Who is Leo Cardoso?

The 15-year-old left West Brom without much fanfare, mainly because of his age and the situation going on at Stamford Bridge.

But despite arriving in South West London rather quietly, people should be making noise about this exciting youngster.

Fabrizio Romano claimed many other clubs wanted Cardoso’s signature before Chelsea jumped to the front of queue.

He has played for both Portugal and England at youth level, although is awaiting his senior call-up.

Sources close to the Athletic describe him as ‘outstanding’ and feel he belongs amongst the ‘best in the country’ at his respective age level.

Whilst fans might have to wait a while to see Cardoso in the flesh, it is encouraging to know such a sort-after talent will be representing the Blues.

As will Dylan Williams, another who was added to Chelsea’s youth ranks ahead of the whole Abramovich debacle.

Williams went from Derby County’s academy to the Premier League equivalent in January.

He has already featured on a handful of occasions for the Under-23s, who have seriously struggled this season.

Hopefully, the influx of fresh faces can revive the development set-up at Cobham and possibly provide a platform for the first team’s longer-term future.

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