Ever since the new ownership group set up shop at Chelsea, they’ve been on a transfer spree, specifically snapping up any young talent in the market.
The man tasked with all these signings and young recruitment is Joe Shields – Chelsea co-director of recruitment and talent.
Joe Shields, who has previously had jobs at Southampton and Manchester City, has been credited for Chelsea‘s acquisition of Cole Palmer.
While Cole Palmer is now one of the acquisitions of the past, Joe Shields has been involved in recruiting some more young talent, clearly set with the task of stacking up Chelsea’s academy.
Sean Leighton, a product of Phoenix All Stars Football Academy in Jamaica, is set to have a trial with Chelsea next month. The player himself has confirmed this.
Leighton was spotted by Shields on his trip to Jamaica to watch another recent young recruit in Dujuan Richards, who’s made 11 appearances as part of Chelsea’s youth setup. Dujuan was also part of the same Phoenix All Stars Football Academy.
Leighton, just 15 years of age is competing in his 4th year of the Manning Cup for Mona High School in Jamaica.
The Manning Cup is an annual inter-county football tournament in Jamaica held for high school players.
It’s his performances in these cups that have caught they eye of Shields and have earned him a trial with the Blues.
Not only did Shield’s extend an invitation to the youngster for trials, but he also spoke to him, asking him to watch 2 Chelsea footballers to learn and build his game around- Cole Palmer and Carney Chukwuemeka, because of Leighton’s similar build to them.
It’s clear that Joe Shields and Chelsea have found a goldmine of sorts in Jamaica coming from Phoenix All Stars Academy- first Dujuan Richards and now Sean Leighton.
We now wait and watch as to how these two talents blossom at Chelsea, and how soon will we see them feature in the Premier League.