Chelsea are set to sign Celtic starlet Islam Feruz despite interest from clubs all around Europe, including Man Utd.
The Somalian-born forward has just turned 16 and has opted to move south to Chelsea. The striker who has capped Scotland at youth level was wanted by the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and Manchester City but it is Chelsea have won the race to sign the talented striker.
“It is a massive step for Islam and for Scottish football,” his agent Rui Alves told skysports.com.
“Now for him personally it is the beginning of a major adventure, he will have to work, work and work and raise his own level.
“Playing for a top club like Chelsea, where the major word in the squad is quality, will oblige him to show his own quality and deliver his best and convince the staff that he is more than just a major prospect.”
Alves admits Chelsea made an immediate impression on the gifted forward.
“The first impression was extraordinary, it is a feeling that the whole club is behind him, they will support him on a daily basis and give him total trust and make him believe,” he continued.
He confirmed that Chelsea fended off interest from around Europe to land Feruz, adding:
“It was not just every club in the Premiership but also most big clubs in Europe who were tracking him. He is the one serious player in Scotland at the moment.”
Feruz has been compared to Wayne Rooney but his agent admits his client is a different type of player to the England striker.
“Islam is a totally different player than Rooney – he is explosive with an amazing strength and good strike, but due to his speed he can also play on both wings,” he said.
“But like Rooney, Islam doesn’t cheat, you won’t see him crying on the floor begging for cards or arguing with referees and I believe he will raise his level very, very fast.”
“He is looking forward to starting his career with Chelsea, but he would love to thank Celtic for all they did for him and his parents, he is Scottish and will one day score goals for Scotland.”
Submitted by Football Friends
