Chelsea 'impressed' by star who POCKETED Joao Felix

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 Mar 2025 09:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea scouts have returned from a mission to Italy 'impressed' by Bologna defender Sam Beukema, according to a report.

Representatives from the Blues recently made a trip to Serie A to catch the match between Bologna and AC Milan last Thursday. In addition to a host of former Chelsea players like Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori, the Rossoneri boast loanee Joao Felix in their ranks.

However, as it turns out, it wasn't a Milan player who caught the eye of the Chelsea scouts, which isn't that surprising considering that the Italian giants slumped to their third defeat in a row, losing 2-1.

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According to GIFN, it was actually Bologna defender Sam Beukema, who left the Chelsea delegation 'impressed.' Contrary to reports in Italy, the outlet states that the Blues did not specifically come to watch the Dutchman, but he was the one player who really piqued their interest.

Chelsea were, of course, also watching several other, unnamed players on display. Loanee Felix again disappointed, with centre-back Beukema playing his part in keeping the Portuguese quiet.

Chelsea face Beukema competition

Chelsea are far from the only side interested in the 26-year-old. In recent weeks and even months, Beukema has repeatedly been linked with Liverpool, with Arne Slot said to be a huge admirer of the former Eredivisie star.

In 2021, Beukema was signed by AZ just six months after Slot was sacked as head coach for negotiating a deal with Feyenoord, so it is possible that the Liverpool boss had been involved in identifying him as a target.

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Additionally, Serie A giants Milan, Inter and Juventus are all credited with an interest in the Dutchman as Beukema has been hugely impressive for Bologna for the past one-and-a-half seasons.

A summer transfer appears to be likely as links are really ramping up. With Beukema also on the verge of breaking into the Dutch national team, 2025 could be a huge year for him.