Chelsea have focused their attentions mainly on South American based talents over the last couple of years.
Angelo Gabriel, Deivid Washington, Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, Andrey Santos, Aaron Anselmino, the list goes on… some have arrived, some have basically already left, some are yet to play a game for us. But it feels like the focus on that continent has seen us secure a really solid grip on the best and brightest down there.
But we haven’t forgotten Europe, and the latest links to a true wonderkid see a player from Serbia being mentioned. CaughtOffside today report that Andrija Maksimovic is a target for Chelsea, along with some other top teams, after an impressive performance for Serbian giants Red Star in the Champions League against Inter Milan.
Still just 17, he’s already started getting senior appearances for his team – including this one against the Italian champions at the highest possible level.
Also named as interested in the report were Newcastle, Man City, Brighton, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund. Basically anyone who is anyone when it comes to signing talented young players…
More details about a rising star
Even compared to some of the South American stars, Maksimovic is an unknown. A tricky attacking midfielder, left footed but playing off the right or through the middle, his progress in the league is now going to be closely monitored. The number of scouts at some of those games will be comical, given the number of clubs interested.
He’s valued at just €1m by Transfermarkt, but the bidding war between all these teams should see a far higher figure paid.
As for the right move for the player – staying and playing at least until the end of this season seems sensible. Moving to Chelsea – or any of those teams – right now is a guarantee you’ll be lost in the shuffle.
