Chelsea Set to Sign Former Preston Starlet Kian Best After Holding Talks
Blues close in on 19-year-old left-back as part of continued youth-focused transfer strategy, beating interest from Liverpool and Newcastle.
Chelsea look set to continue their aggressive youth recruitment policy with the signing of former Preston North End left-back Kian Best. The 19-year-old defender has reportedly held talks with the Blues and is now close to joining the club, according to EFL Analysis.
The move would add to Chelsea’s long list of youth-focused signings under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Although this approach has at times frustrated fans who want more experienced first-team stars, the club remains committed to building for the future.
Best only made one appearance in the Championship last season before being loaned out to Irish side Bohemians. After returning, he was released by Preston, making him available for Chelsea and other top clubs looking for young talent.
Despite limited senior experience, Best has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs. Reports claim that Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest were all keeping tabs on the teenager before Chelsea moved ahead in the race.
Although Kian Best is not expected to feature in Chelsea’s senior squad straight away, the club sees long-term potential in him. The plan, according to reports, is for him to either join Chelsea’s youth setup or head to Strasbourg – Chelsea’s sister club in France – for further development and first-team minutes.
Chelsea have already completed a £30 million deal for striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and are targeting more reinforcements, especially in defence and on the wings.
With Marc Cucurella currently the only senior left-back option, the Blues are also chasing a more immediate first-team signing in that position. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has been linked as a potential solution.
