Chelsea have fought off competition from Liverpool for the signing of a promising centre-back. 16-year-old Watford Under 18s defender Travis Akomeah will join The Blues despite Liverpool’s interest, says Fabrizio Romano.
Following in Chelsea’s footsteps
Although this wouldn’t represent a signing for the here and now, it is disappointing to lose out to a rival. Akomeah is obviously highly rated.
Chelsea have an excellent record at developing young English players. They currently boast the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the first team. An army of excellent on-loan prospects such as Connor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour shows the level of talent they have in their academy.
It bodes well for Liverpool that they are trying to follow in Chelsea’s footsteps when it comes to snapping up young talent.
The signing of then 16-year-old Harvey Elliott from Fulham in 2019 was a coup for Liverpool. Kaide Gordon was also the same age when The Reds plucked him from Derby in 2021.
Positive signs for the academy
New Brexit rules mean that English clubs can no longer sign players under 18-years-old from overseas. This makes keeping an eye on the lower age groups across the country vital to the health of the academy moving forward.
There will be frustration at losing out on Akomeah, who has already played at youth level for England and is eligible for Ghana too. But this is further proof that the academy is moving in the right direction.