According to Fabrizio Romano, Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is now on the verge of joining Chelsea after an impactful trial with the academy. The Blues are making a decision on his future with Ojodu City: whether to send him on loan to Strasbourg or bring him to the club.
.jpeg)
But his story from childhood is something one should see, from selling watermelon in Kano, Nigeria, to being close to becoming a Chelsea player. But the 18-year-old gained attention when he produced 10 goals at the 2024 Viareggio Cup in Italy, where his team, Ojodu City FC, reached the semifinals.
Plenty of clubs turned their eyes towards him, with the striker receiving an offer from Bodo/Glimt, but he opted to pursue his dream and went to give trials for Chelsea after being approached by their scouting director and star player Raheem Sterling.
He further solidified his position during the trial when he scored a hat-trick in front of Todd Boehly and convinced the owner that he was the next football prodigy. His performance has convinced the club to sign him, and now their decision will be made on his future.
At 18, the club will have to either send him on loan or keep him here and allow him to grow. He will be watched by the club’s scouts, and when he is ready, he will make his first-season appearance.
However, it will be a smart move to send him on loan, since he will get some European playing experience, much like we did with Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos. Hafiz will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his talents in elite football, and the club will undoubtedly call him up when they believe he is ready to play for them.