Chelsea closes in Ojodu FC striker who loves Romelu Lukaku

English Premier League side Chelsea have officially submitted a bid for Ojodu FC striker Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, Soccernet.ng reports.

Hafiz is currently one of the most promising players in football. The 18-year-old striker rose to prominence earlier this year, during the Viareggio Cup. He emerged as the Golden Boy of the tournament and the highest goalscorer after netting ten goals.

Hafiz Umar Ibrahim was named Golden Boy at the Viareggio Cup after he finished as top scorer with 10 goals.

Watch my interview with him: https://t.co/NxkOuJiJSo pic.twitter.com/oeVqvjw9jx

— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) February 26, 2024

Following his impressive showing, Hafiz emerged as a top target for top clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. However, he did not move to Italy and was on the brink of signing for Norwegian giants Bodo Glimt. But the move broke down.

Afterwards, he moved to Chelsea in March for trials, with the club looking to sign him if they were impressed with his performance.

Alert: Ojodu FC’s Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has arrived in London and will be at Chelsea from Monday for two weeks before signing a contract with the Blues.

In February, Chelsea had Raheem Sterling jump on a video call with the young Nigerian striker to convince him of their interest.… https://t.co/i8JPVGFlAR pic.twitter.com/LiHP68Oi1y

— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) March 24, 2024

In a new development, per Lolade Adewuyi, who has been keeping tabs on the promising 18-year-old striker, Hafiz impressed during the trial, and Chelsea are set to complete a deal with Ojodu FC.

According to Lolade Adewuyi, Chelsea have almost completed the deal. But the Kano-born hitman will not join the Blues immediately. Instead, he will join Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg in the French Ligue 1.

Chelsea will sign Nigerian youngster Hafiz Umar Ibrahim on a two-way contract with Strasbourg of France.

The Kano-born striker impressed during his trial with the Blues after turning down an opportunity to sign for Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.

Congratulations to Hafiz, this… pic.twitter.com/qIsvsd2ATS

— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) May 24, 2024

Hafiz is expected to start work with Strasbourg immediately and join them in Ligue 1 next season. If he impressed, he could just get an opportunity at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old came from a poor background in Nigeria, but he is hungry for success so he can help his poor family. He is also a big fan of Romelu Lukaku and tries to model his game after the Belgian striker.

Catch Soccernet.ng interview with Hafiz Umar Ibrahim here.