7 months ago
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Raheem Sterling spoke to Hafiz Umar Ibrahim on a video call and played a key role in securing the young striker a trial at Chelsea, according to reports.
The 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs after registering 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup.
Ibrahim, a 6ft 2in target man who has drawn comparisons to Romelu Lukaku, plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria and previously had a trial at Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
His stock has only risen since and he will now start a two-week trial at Chelsea so Mauricio Pochettino can take a closer look, the Evening Standard have reported.
If Ibrahim performs well on his trial and earns himself a contract, he is expected to join Chelsea’s partner club Strasbourg in France to build up his experience.
Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields played a role in brining Ibrahim to west London with the Blues now increasingly targeting African academies for talent.
Sterling was also majorly involved as he continues his quest to win over Chelsea fans following his poor performance in the FA Cup win over Leicester City.
The England international has faced a wave of recent criticism and has even been accused of not being able to strike the ball properly.
Meanwhile, Paul Merson has warned Sterling that he has little to no chance of being in the England squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
‘Euro 2024 has gone for Raheem Sterling now,’ Merson said. ‘I don’t see him at the Euros. It’s hard to make a case for him.’
MORE : Arsenal in talks to sign Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande ahead of Chelsea
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