Chelsea sign talented Brazilian teenager to strengthen attack options
By Gary Jordan
Chelsea have signed Brazilian striker Deivid Washington, making him their ninth signing under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Striker Deivid Washington is only 18 and has impressed during his time at Brazilian giants Santos. He started his career at Gremio before switching to legend Pele’s old club. He played nine times and scored twice last season, but this was enough to convince the Stamford Bridge side to chase and capture the teen sensation’s signature.
New signing Deivid Washington
Washington has signed a seven-year deal, with an option for one more. The fee is £17.2m. This keeps up the Todd Boehly philosophy of buying big and long term. It is interesting to see if this plan will stand the test of time. Buying players on multi-year contracts is something that could come back to bite Chelsea. Time will tell on that one. For now, though, Washington is a massive prospect that Pochettino will be eager to work with. Talking to the club’s official website, the new arrival to the Bridge said.
"“I’m very happy to be joining a huge team like Chelsea. I can’t wait to make my debut here at such a big club, and provide lots of goals and assists.”"
Chelsea sign Brazilian talent
This is the second player to make the long trip over from South America to join the Blues. Angelo, also 18, and also from Santos, signed in July.
The forward area is something that needs improvement, and this signing will add competition for places. With Christopher Nkunku out with a long-term knee injury and Sunday’s goalscorer against West Ham United, Carney Chukwuemeka is also out for an estimated six weeks. It could be sooner rather than later that we get to see either of the new Brazilian talent.
No panic – yet
Pochettino is staying calm despite the mini-injury crisis at the club. He is being patient, and hoping the fans will be too.
"“We are assessing the squad, and all that happens. It is easy to say that we need an offensive player, but we have offensive players but they need to recover.” [Source]"