Chelsea plot surprising return of former academy striker
Tom Weber
- 27 Oct 2023 09:31 CDT
- 4 min read
Chelsea are considering re-signing former academy striker Miles Leaburn, according to reports.
In line with the Blues' completely overhauled transfer policy since the Todd Boehly takeover, the club's recruitment team is always scouring the market for interesting, high-potential talents. Their latest find, however, is not an unknown gem, but rather a familiar face.
According to the South London Press, Chelsea have identified Miles Leaburn as a potential target to reinforce their attack. Interestingly, Leaburn was part of Chelsea's academy until 2019 when he signed for Charlton Athletic, the club his father used to play for.
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The 19-year-old became a regular fixture for the League One side's senior team last term, notching an impressive 12 goals in his first season at that level. This time around, his tally stands at three goals in eight outings.
What makes Leaburn such an interesting prospect is his physique. Clocking in at a whopping 1.95m, the youngster is an absolute handful and Chelsea are keen to bring him back.
5️⃣0️⃣ appearances
1️⃣9️⃣ goals
Enjoy all of @MilesLeaburn's strikes so far 💫#cafc pic.twitter.com/YbfGOVUltN— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) October 26, 2023
A wanted man
But the Blues are not the only ones keen on Leaburn. Charlton already rejected a £3 million offer from a Bundesliga side in the summer, and they will likely have to fend off concrete interest again in the winter, with Brentford mentioned as suitors alongside Chelsea.
It would be an intriguing move for either Premier League side. Chelsea have been widely reported to be in the market for another forward, while Brentford have resigned themselves to losing Ivan Toney when his ban ends in January.
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However, despite Leaburn's performances in League One, the expectation is that he would be a signing for the future rather than an immediate first-teamer. If he were to return to Chelsea, he would be the second highly-rated young striker the Blues snapped up from Charlton in recent times.
In 2022, Chelsea signed Mason Burstow from the Addicks and subsequently loaned him back. This term, Burstow is out on loan at Championship side Sunderland, but he is struggling for goals.
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