Chelsea considering signing 'fascinating' striker who 'fits in' while saving them tens of millions

Chelsea are being backed to make a move for a player who is quickly grabbing attention on the continent. The Blues are keeping an eye out for a possible striker signing, satisfied by Nicolas Jackson but also aware that more competition may be required, including a plan B-type frontman who can offer something different.

That something different is something Sporting CP’s young talent Conrad Harder seems to specialise in having been signed as a long-term replacement for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been linked with man of the Premier League heavyweights.

At just 19 years of age, Harder has made 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine times and providing six assists. Now, Sporting may have signed Harder as a replacement for Gyokeres, but both strikers could wind up leaving the club. Interest is already building in Harder, and Chelsea are said to be among those expressing an interest.

Graeme Bailey has told The Chelsea Chronicle: “They do like Conrad Harder an awful lot. He’s a fascinating player, obviously signed by Sporting as a Viktor Gyokeres replacement. He’s a huge talent, he really is, and we’ve seen Chelsea do spot these players. Samu, who they were looking at, way before everyone else. Chelsea are backing themselves here, so keep an eye on Harder. He’s a huge, huge talent, and he fits in with what Chelsea want to do.”

Sporting signed Harder for £15.9million last summer, beating Brighton to the deal, while they also agreed to pay Nordsjaelland 20% of any future sale. Sporting would demand a significant profit on that fee, especially given the money they owe to Nordsjaelland. But Chelsea have needs, and Harder could still prove a cheap option compared to some of the biggest talents in world football.

Gyokeres is likely to cost more than £70million, while Victor Osimhem is likely to cost more than £60million. Harder would come in significantly below that, and he also fits the new Chelsea model of signing young players with potential.