Chelsea hand trial to Nigerian wonderkid who scored TEN goals in six matches in Italian youth tournament
CHELSEA have given a trial to 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim.
The striker met up with Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea squad at Cobham earlier this week.
After undergoing strength and conditioning exercises in the gym, Ibrahim trained with the first team on Thursday.
He is set to remain with the squad on trial over the next few weeks.
Before being invited to London, Ibrahim was on the verge of joining Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.
While he was waiting for his flight to Norway the teenager was notified that Chelsea had expressed an interest in him, but he initially didn’t believe it.
As he boarded the plane he then received a video call from Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent, and Raheem Sterling.
Ibrahim travelled to Bodo and trained with the squad, but quickly decided to take his chance in West London.
Before flying to England, the striker scored 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup, a youth tournament that took place in Italy.
Should he sign for Chelsea, Ibrahim is expected to join partner club Strasbourg on loan in France.
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However, if he isn’t handed a contract, clubs in Spain and Italy will be ready to swoop.
The striker currently plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria.