Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is closing in on a move to Chelsea after he switched to the London club for trial from Norwegian outfit Bodo Glimt.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ibrahim Hafiz Umar dumped Bodo Glimt for a trial with Chelsea. The 18-year-old reportedly made the U-turn to London after Ojodu City Academy agreed a deal worth €500,000 with Bodo Glimt but it was at the invitation of Chelsea.
The Premier League has always been a dream football destination for fast-rising stars in the game. Hafiz latched on his opportunity when it came and brokered a trial with Chelsea.
According to reports, Ibrahim Hafiz Umar, who is currently undergoing his trial with Chelsea, will be monitored for two weeks before the club will take a decision on whether to hand him a contract or not.
According to Evening Standard, Chelsea star Raheem Sterling played a key role in securing Ibrahim a trial at Chelsea.
Sterling reportedly spoke with the player on a video call while he was in Norway before helping him secure his visa to travel to the UK for the trial.
The teenage sensation began his trial with the club on Monday, March 25, and is scheduled to be on a two-week training under the watch of Mauricio Pochettino before the club will decide whether to sign him or not.
If he is successful, he will be transferred to Chelsea’s feather outfit Strasbourg in France, who are also owned by Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital Group.
How Ibrahim Hafiz Umar was discovered
Ibrahim Hafiz Umar played for a Nigerian-based football academy – Ojodu City Academy. He was thrust to the spotlights earlier this year during the Viareggio Cup in Italy. The tournament, which was in its 74th edition, featured young teams with burgeoning young talents across the globe.
Ibrahim Hafiz Umar was a standout performer for Ojodu City Academy in the tournament. He scored 10 goals in 6 games for the side, including scoring against Manchester City’s U21. His prolific goalscoring made him a top target for top European clubs.
Ibrahim Hafiz Umar style of play
Ibrahim Hafiz Umar is an immense talent. He is known for his mature and composed finishing in the final third. Playing as a center-forward, the 18-year-old has an incredible eye for goal.
The most striking of his goalscoring feat is his ability to steal his way through the tightest of defenses and ripple the back of the net.
According to reports, Serie A giants Inter Milan and AC Milan were among the clubs interested in the player. Other top European outfits are also eyeing a move for him.
Other clubs milling around Umar are reportedly ready to hand him a trial if he doesn’t pass the Chelsea trail.
