If a report from The Daily Mail is believed to be true, Chelsea have stepped up interest in Jesus Rodriguez over a potential summer swoop. Liverpool are also keeping close tabs on the Real Betis teenager, but the Blues are favourites to snap him up by triggering a release clause of around £42m.
Chelsea has changed its transfer policy since Todd Boehly completed a takeover from Roman Abramovich in a deal worth up to £4.25 billion. They are investing in young talents to attain long-term success, and Rodriguez, who is enjoying his breakthrough season in Spain, could bolster them down the left for the next decade.
The 19-year-old La Rojita international began his youth stint at Nervión before joining the academy ranks of Betis at 15. While he spent the 2022-23 season with Calavera U19, his flair from the flanks saw Los Verdiblancos bring him back for their reserves.
Rodriguez spent the previous campaign in Segunda Federación, the fourth tier of the Spanish League system. There he emerged as one of their main pillars, and Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini rewarded him with his first-team debut last October. He has since made 17 senior appearances across competitions, having secured a starting status over the past two months.
Although the youngster scored his maiden senior goal in a 3-1 defeat against Alaves, earning a penalty against Real Madrid earlier this month must be the most notable contribution so far in his career. Isco made no mistake converting from the spot, thus resulting in a dramatic 2-1 victory against the reigning champions.
Why Chelsea Must Wrap Up The Deal
The Blues are well equipped down the wide, yet their wing-forward have lacked the productivity and creative spark. Pedro Neto has been below par with just 3 goals and 4 assists in 24 league outings, and the numbers of Christopher Nkunku are even worse who, however, has mostly been deployed from the middle as a substitute. Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, had his moments high up the pitch. But he has only managed to score twice and register 4 assists in the Premier League.
Noni Madueke is the only winger to reach a double-digit in terms of goal-bound contribution (7G + 3A), and the decision of loaning out outcast Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix suggests that the pair do not belong to Enzo Maresca’s plans. The gaffer has also deployed academy prospect Tyrique George due to a lack of impact from the first-team stars, and the arrival of Rodriguez could benefit the Blues for his finesse and directness in the attacking third.
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