Lazio interested in signing 18-year-old striker who Raheem Sterling helped secure a trial at Chelsea
Hafiz Umar Ibrahim spent two weeks at Chelsea, where he impressed Mauricio Pochettino and his technical team.
Italian club Lazio are interested in signing Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, who has been linked to a move to Chelsea after his impressive trial at the club in March. The 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid attracted interest from a number of top European clubs after registering 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup earlier this year.
In the past, Chelsea were unable to sign players directly from Africa, but their partnership with French club Strasbourg has meant they’re now able to compete with clubs in Europe for African talents at a young age.
Earlier this year, The Evening Standard reported that Ibrahim, a 6ft 2in player who plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria, had a video phone call with Raheem Sterling, who convinced him to take up the trial at Chelsea.
LondonWorld has been exclusively told Chelsea are still interested in signing the striker but haven't been able to agree on a fee with his Nigerian club, which has left the door open for Lazio, who have been monitoring the situation, to register their interest.
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt are also reportedly interested in the striker, whose playing style has been likened to Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. When asked which player he modeled his game after, he told NigeriaSoccerNet, “[I like Lukaku] because he fights, he’s strong, he scores, he helps his team, he does everything.”
Chelsea looking good on the financial front:
Chelsea this week agreed on a stunning £37.5 million deal to sell left-back Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa. Maatsen impressed heavily out on loan at Dortmund and his sale will be considered pure profit as they reportedly aim to generate enough money to stay within Premier League sustainability rules.
The sale of players, including Lewis Hall now at Newcastle, and the fact they are due to receive bonuses from Real Madrid for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Eden Hazard has strengthened their financial hold.
The club is still open to the sale of key players like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah but will not be forced into accepting cut prices knowing very well they're not under pressure to sell now.