Chelsea are interested in signing Egyptian talent Ibrahim Adel, who has been labelled the 'next Mohamed Salah'. The Blues are set to face competition from the likes of Premier League rivals Liverpool, Brighton and Newcastle.
The 22-year-old winger has long been regarded as one of African football's brightest young talents, and backed up that reputation after being named Player of the Tournament at the recent Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations. Adel currently plays for Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League but was close to joining Belgian outfit Anderlecht in January.
Salah has already advised Liverpool to keep an eye on Adel's development, though any move to England was off the table at the time because of issues obtaining a work permit. However, post-Brexit regulations adopted by the FA this summer means that Adel, or any other player, does not need to meet the former points threshold set by the Governing Body Endorsement criteria.
Instead, up to two players - who previously would not have qualified for a work permit - can be signed. A report from 90min has stated that Chelsea are monitoring Adel's development, with the outlet dubbing the youngster the 'next Salah' and could look to sign the Egpytian winger as Todd Boehly looks to create a multi-club model at Stamford Bridge.
BlueCo - the new parent company that will oversee their multi-club structure - are thought to be behind the interest in the 22-year-old and a potential loan deal involving newly-acquired club Strasbourg could be a possibility if Adel joins Chelsea. The Blues have history of signing emerging Egyptian talent having signed Salah from Basel in 2014.
Salah found life at Chelsea difficult before being loaned out to Fiorentina just six months after signing for the Blues. The Egypt international then joined Roma on a season-long loan deal the following year before completing a permanent transfer to the Italian giants in 2016.
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Just 12 months later, Salah found himself back in the Premier League and has gone onto prove himself as one of the best attackers to play in the English top-flight. Chelsea will be hoping that Adel could reach similar heights to the Liverpool star in the coming years if they look to complete a deal for the 22-year-old this summer.
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