Chelsea continues to be cautious when it comes to signing players for the first team, which is to be anticipated considering that their major focus has been on offloading players to make room for manager Mauricio Pochettino. The arrival of teenage defender Ishé Samuels-Smith from Everton today for a reported £4 million sum, though, demonstrates the Blues’ active search for new young talent to join the team.
Samuels-Smith played left back and centre back for Everton’s U21 team last season on a regular basis. This summer, he was a member of the England U17 team that competed in the European Championship. His efforts earned him a spot on the bench for two club games—against Bournemouth in the League Cup and Fulham in the Premier League—and training with Everton’s first team.
Samuels-Smith immediately demonstrated upon his arrival that he is aware of the difficulties he must overcome to join Chelsea’s first squad.
Chelsea FC has completed the signing of defender Ishe Samuels-Smith from Everton. ✍️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 8, 2023
“It was a shock to me because it all happened quickly, but I’m really glad to be here. It’s going to be a good experience coming into such a big club. It will be a new challenge because there are top players here, so I am going to have to adapt quickly and get through the levels.” Ishé Samuels-Smith.
