Chelsea FC is investing heavily in youth with Frank Lampard offering opportunities to players from their academy. One of the promising names to come out that is Tino Anjorin. Seeing the potential, the Blues have locked up the 18-year-old until 2025, fending off interest from multiple teams who have taken note of the talent of the Nigerian teenager.
Anjorin has been with west London since he was six-years-old. He is also a member of the England Under-19 team, a prominent fixture that contributed to the growing attention to him. Anjorin officially made his senior debut when Chelsea played Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. The Blues won that one 7-1. His other appearance came when the Blues faced Everton. He came in to replace Willian in the second half. Chelsea won that match 4-0.
"It’s a brilliant feeling. I’ve been at the club since I was six years old so to get to this stage and then be offered another five-year contract on top of that is amazing," Anjorin said via the team's official website.
One of eight academy players, Anjorin is singled out as the one showing the most promise. Hence, it comes to no surprise that several teams were interested in getting him. Among the teams who kept tabs with his progress include Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, Sky Sports reported. Aware of the interest, Anjorin ended all hope of him moving elsewhere when he signed the five-year deal with Chelsea.
But looking ahead, Anjorin may need to satisfy himself playing behind top stars from whom he could pick up a move or two. One of the big acquisitions expected to join Chelsea soon is Timo Werner. Though he is still with RB Leipzig, the German striker is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford before next season. Aside from Werner, there are current stars on the team ahead of Anjorin. That includes Willian, Pedro and Oliver Giroud. There is also the reported coming of Hakim Ziyech that further makes the club rotation clogged.
Regardless of the entry of proven stars, Lampard vows to give players from their academy chances to crack the first team. However, Anjorin and the rest will have to prove their worth and deserving to get a spot in the regular team. The good news is that they are still young and have a lot of playing years ahead of them. In the case of Anjorin, he seems to be aware of what lies ahead and is ready to prove he deserves a regular spot in Lampard’s rotation.
