Talent: Zak Sturge
(Picture: Instagram/zaksturge3)Chelsea are making waves in the transfer market this summer, but it isn’t just the first team that is being strengthened.
The new Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership group made the youth set-up a priority and have already brought in a few highly rated names, and are set to add another.
Zak Sturge is expected to become the latest addition to the Chelsea Under-23s side, but who is he?
Here’s all you need to know...
Position
Sturge is a left-back but has also been deployed on the left-hand side of midfield during his time with the Brighton Under-18s and the odd Under-23s cameo.
In the mould of a modern attack-minded wing-back, Sturge is effective at both ends of the pitch, contributing five assists across 44 youth games including two in the latter stages of last season’s FA Youth Cup.
Career so far
Sturge burgeoning career so far includes just Brighton at a domestic level, but he is starting to make a name for himself on the international scene, too.
The defender, who turned 18 in June, has made six appearances - four of them starts - and has registered one assist for Ryan Garry’s U18s. Most recently he was part of England’s Four Nations-winning side in Croatia.
Sturge was unable to agree a new contract with Brighton at the end of last season and recently confirmed his departure on Instagram. He wrote: “I’ve spent 3 special years down on the south coast with Brighton, but it’s now time to say goodbye.
“During my time at the club I have learnt a lot about myself as a player and made some life long friends along the way. That being said, It’s now time for me to start the next chapter in my footballing journey.
“I would like to thank all the Brighton coaches that have played a part in developing me as a player over the past 3 years, and I would like to wish everyone (staff & players) all the best for the forthcoming season. “
Who else have Chelsea bought?
The Blues have been busy this summer, with Omari Hutchinson, Tyler Dibling and Shumaira Mheuka already through the door.
Hutchinson was snapped up from London rivals Arsenal. The 18-year-old striker joined seven years earlier but was lured across the capital earlier in July.
Dibling, 16, arrived from Southampton and is an attacking midfielder, while 15-year-old striker Mheuka will know Sturge from Brighton.
