CONFIRMED: Chelsea in talks to sign 16-year-old Brazilian wonderkid

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Jan 2025 15:14 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea have opened formal talks to sign Corinthians left-back Denner, according to Brazilian media and journalist Ben Jacobs.

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The 16-year-old has yet to make his senior debut for the Brazilian side, but his performances for Corinthians' Under-20s have seen him attract the attention of the Blues.

Denner featured in eight of Corinthians' nine Copinha matches this month, netting an impressive three goals and providing one assist from left-back. His side went all the way to the final of the youth tournament but lost the showpiece to Sao Paulo, with Brenner scoring once in the 3-2 defeat.

According to Brazilian media, informal talks between Chelsea and Corinthians have been ongoing for several days and the West London giants have now formalised their interest. An official bid worth €12.5m including bonuses has been made.

Journalists Uriel Iugt and Ben Jacobs report that there is optimism that a deal will be finalised shortly, although Denner won't be able to link up with the Blues until he turns 18 in February 2026.

Chelsea continue youth drive

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club from Roman Abramovich following the latter's ousting in 2022, Chelsea have been on an ambitious youth drive that has seen them snap up promising young talents from all over the globe.

South America, in particular, has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues. Kendry Paez and Estevao are set to link up with Chelsea later this year and the latter is already being billed as Brazil's heir to Neymar.

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Denner looks set to join Chelsea's contingent of up-and-coming South American talents, but it is unclear whether he is seen as a credible option for the first team or simply another young talent that can potentially fetch the club a sizeable further profit down the line.