18-year-old Nigeria-eligible English winger departs Chelsea for Stoke City

Nigeria-eligible English wonderkid, Chinonso Chibueze, has joined EFL Championship side – Stoke City after departing Chelsea a few days ago, Soccernet.ng reports.

The London-born 18-year-old joined Chelsea’s famous Cobham academy from Fulham as a player in the U-10 category and made his debut for the U-18 team two years ago.

With a considerable amount of time left on his first professional contract that he signed 18 months ago, the teenager opted to move to Stoke City, ending his time at Chelsea.

“Having signed with the Blues as an Under-10 from Fulham, Chinonso moved through the age groups at Cobham and made his Under-18s debut during the 2021/22 season. Further appearances for the Under-18s came during the 2022/23 campaign and last season, including a two-goal outing in a 9-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Good luck for the future, Chi Chi!” Chelsea announced yesterday on their official website.

A few hours later, Stoke City confirmed the versatile attacker’s signature, although the contract’s details are unknown. As per their official website, they beat competition from several clubs to have the youngster on their books.

“Chinonso arrives from Chelsea and is a different type of winger from Kieron in that his physical attributes are his big strength. He can play anywhere across the front three and is another arrival where we have had to beat off competition from several clubs and that is a testament to the pathway we can offer him. With Chinonso and Kieron operating in the wide areas, we are excited to have added more firepower to the Under-21s group,” Stoke City’s official website read.

Chinonso Chibueze is the brother of Sunderland’s U-21 goalkeeper, Kelechi Chibueze. Kelechi previously represented England at the U-16 level, making four appearances, but they’re eligible to represent Nigeria via their parents.