Another day, another teenage prodigy with potential was signed by Chelsea. This time it is teenage defensive prodigy Ishe Samuels-Smith, who has been signed by the Blues for $5m on a three-year contract.
Chelsea’s transfer recruitment has continued the trend of bringing in some of the finest talents from around Europe. Last season they signed the likes of Gabriel Slonina, Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwumueka and Cesare Casadei.
This summer, Todd Boehly’s men have already signed Diego Moreira and Alex Matos. While they are close to bringing in Brazilian sensations Matheus Franca and Angelo Gabriel from Flamengo and Santos respectively.
With the signing of Samuels-Smith, the Stamford Bridge outfit have gotten yet another gem under their belt hoping he fulfils his potential. But how good is the former Everton academy player?
Ishe Samuels-Smith scout report
Ishe Samuels-Smith is a 17-yeard-old defender, who can play at both centre-back and left-back. The England Youth International has made several appearances for the Young Three Lions.
H joined the Everton academy at the age of eight and has only gotten better since then. The defender was in the England squad that played the U17 Euro Championships earlier this year, and Samuels-Smith was named in the Team of the Tournament.
The young defender also had a very good season for the Everton development squad. He was on the bench on many occasions for the Toffees this season in the Premier League and EFL Cup.
Despite being born in Manchester, the versatile defender has played the majority of his youth career with Everton and now a new chapter awaits him in London.
Samuels-Smith style of play
A no-nonsense defender, Ishe Samuels-Smith is the kind of player who likes to bully his opponents. While that might not sound good, on the field the player is a pure beast.
Winning the ball and progressing up the pitch is one of his strongest traits. Which is why he is often fielded at left-back in the odd game. Left-footed central defenders come at a premium and Chelsea have done well to coup him for a bargain.
The Blues will hope he can turn into the level of player they believe. While playing for Pochettino in the first-team setup looks impossible at the moment, like many past Stamford Bridge youngsters have shown, they just need a chance.
Samuels-Smith might well get his chance this season in a Cup match or two but for him to nail down a starting spot after that is what the real task will be.