Omari Kellyman, a midfielder for Aston Villa, has joined Chelsea in a transfer that may potentially cost up to £19 million.
Less than twenty-four hours had passed since Kellyman’s previous team, Aston Villa, reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Ian Maatsen.
Kellyman is now a Chelsea player. Kellyman, a highly regarded offensive midfield player, has agreed to a six-year deal with the Blues, with an additional year option.
He will train with his new teammates in the preseason. The 18-year-old has played for England’s junior team and made two outings in the Premier League last season.
‘It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player,’ Kellyman said. ‘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.’
Kellyman becomes Chelsea’s third signing so far this summer following English defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, who will spend another season at Palmeiras before moving to west London next summer.
Welcome to Chelsea, Omari Kellyman. 👊 pic.twitter.com/B4p7BY30GT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2024
Welcome, @Maatsen_Ian. 💜 pic.twitter.com/fZS04pAzcn
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 28, 2024
On Friday, Maatsen’s transfer to Villa Park was officially announced as Chelsea agreed to sell the Dutch defender for a reported £35 million.
Despite playing in just 16 games for the Blues, he had a strong season while on loan at Borussia Dortmund, as he helped the Bundesliga team go to the Champions League final.
Maatsen, the second summer acquisition for Villa after Lewis Dobbin of Everton, is presently in Germany with the Dutch Euros team.
Following a late surge under Mauricio Pochettino, who left Stamford Bridge to be replaced by former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League the previous season.
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa had an incredible season, going fourth and earning a spot in the Champions League for the first time in the team’s history.