In an official announcement on their website, Chelsea Football Club has revealed their latest group of academy scholars for the upcoming 2023-2024 season, and among them is an impressive player eligible for the Golden Eaglets.
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Following Premier League regulations, all players under the age of 17 are required to begin the next season on a scholarship deal before they can sign their first professional contracts. As previously reported exclusively, Saheed Olagunju was offered a scholarship by Chelsea.
Confirming the news, Chelsea disclosed that Olagunju, along with seven other talented teenagers, has formally signed their scholarship agreements during a special event held at Stamford Bridge last week.
Hassan Sulaiman, a Nigerian football tactician, will continue his role as the U18 coach for Chelsea in the forthcoming season. Sulaiman, a former Arsenal youth team player, will be supported by former Chelsea Academy graduates Andy Ross and Jimmy Smith.
Jim Fraser, Chelsea’s head of youth development and recruitment, describes Saheed Olagunju as a left-sided central defender with strong defensive abilities and exceptional leadership skills. Olagunju’s athleticism and confidence on the pitch make him a promising prospect. He joined Chelsea at the U12 level after progressing through the youth team ranks following his move from Charlton Athletic. In his final season as a schoolboy, Olagunju made his competitive debut for the Chelsea U18 team.
It’s worth noting that Saheed Olagunju is the younger brother of Mustapha Olagunju, a central defender for Huddersfield Town. The Olagunju brothers continue to make their mark in the footballing world, with Saheed’s signing with Chelsea adding to the family’s success.
Chelsea has once again demonstrated their commitment to nurturing young talent, and with the guidance of Sulaiman, Ross, and Smith, the club aims to shape these promising players into future stars of the game.
