Chelsea close to signing Senegalese starlet who was recently pictured with Kendry Paez; player can only join in June 2024

Pape Douda Diong is all set to join Chelsea but will have to wait until June due to FIFA restrictions

AF Darous Salam midfielder will be joining the ranks of the ever-growing youth setup under Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly as per Fabrizio Romano’s tweet. The Pape Daouda Diong was spotted alongside another Chelsea incoming Kendry Paez at the Stamford Bridge.

The duo was present while Chelsea pulled a dramatic winner against Newcastle United to secure a berth in the EFL semifinal. Thanks to Mykhaylo Mudryk’s late equaliser, Chelsea was able to push the game into penalties and eventually secure a win.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are slowly getting back to life with the return of his star players from injury. Cristopher Nkunku finally marked his debut and put up a show for his new club. Chelsea will now be looking to get back to winning ways to move further up the league table.

Pochettino is doing his bit to safeguard his team by requesting for new players to come transfer window. The addition of Pape Daouda Ding and Kendry Paez will add depth to the Blues midfielder, leaving Pochettino with fewer injury worries.

Chelsea will have to be patient before having Diong by their side

The Diong deal is almost near completion but he cannot join the club this January. The 17-year-old star will have to wait until June to complete his move. This is due to FIFA regulations that restrict any player under the age of 18 from moving clubs.

Diong will arrive in June 2024 even though his signature will be secured by Chelsea in January. Diong has four Senegal U-17 appearances under his belt. He was a crucial figure in helping Senegal reach the last 16 of the U-17 World Cup earlier this year.

The youngster is lauded for his ball recovery, interceptions and tackle timings. He will be a serious addition to the young midfield lineup that includes fellow youngsters Romeo Lavia, Paez and Moises Caicedo.

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To expect the Senegal international to immediately secure a place in the squad will be unrealistic. Mauricio Pochettino will be testing the wonder kid’s prowess in the training ground before handing him a place within a crowded midfielder roster.