Chelsea have officially announced the signing of striker Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa.
Omari Kellyman Makes Switch From Villa Park to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Confirm Kellyman Signing
On June 19th, it was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that with Ian Maatsen making the move from Chelsea to Villa, the Blues would make a move for a Villa player in a separate deal, with many touting Jhon Duran to be that man. However, a couple of days later, the Italian journalist revealed that Kellyman was the player that the West London side would be targeting, the club keen to add another teenager to their ranks.
On June 23rd, the transfer was given the “here we go!“, Chelsea paying £19 million for the 18-year-old’s services and today (June 29), the Blues themselves announced Kellyman’s arrival.
Omari Kellyman Career So Far
Kellyman began his career at Derby County in 2012 and was signed by Villa in 2022 after not making a senior appearance for the Rams.
Following his spell in Villa’s youth academy, Kellyman was given his break in the senior team in the summer of 2023, with manager Unai Emery including him in his pre-season squad for their USA tour.
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The following month, Kellyman made his competitive debut for Villa in the Europa Conference League against Hibernian, grabbing an assist as Emery’s team won 3-0.
He then returned to the U21s for a spell before returning to the first team on April 3rd in a 4-1 loss to Manchester City, replacing Nicolo Zaniolo in the second half, this appearance proving to be his last for the club.
Reaction to His Arrival at Chelsea
Speaking to Chelsea’s official channels, Kellyman couldn’t hide his excitement at finally joining the Blues.
“It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started.”
He also touched on the history of Cobham graduates making the first team and how that played a part in his decision to make the move.
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“That [Cobham’s history] was a big attraction for me. I have seen young players stepping into the team and playing week in, week out in the Premier League and I feel like I will be able to take my opportunity as and when it comes.
“I want to be successful in a Chelsea shirt – to win games and trophies. Hopefully, I can become one of the faces on the side of the stadium. I want to become a big player for this club.”
A player with a lot of potential, the Chelsea hierarchy will hope that their desired target will have the effect they expect him to as they continue to revolutionise the club with some of the world’s best young talents.
