Chelsea Battles Manchester City to Sign South African Wonderkid

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A promising South African teenage footballer is reportedly on the verge of securing a move to Premier League powerhouse Chelsea.

The 13-year-old midfielder, Camden Schaper, currently plays for Blackburn Rovers. He has attracted interest from several top English clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Chelsea Edging Out Rivals

According to reports, Chelsea is set to outbid Manchester City with a transfer fee estimated at £700,000 (around R16.9 million). They aim to sign the young talent. Manchester City were initially favourites to sign Schaper. He moved to England from the country last year. His younger brother, Astin, is already part of the Manchester City academy.

Impressive Stats and Early Development

Schaper’s journey to England began when he transferred from SuperSport United to Blackburn Rovers last year. Since then, he has had a standout season with Blackburn’s under-14 team, scoring an impressive 65 goals. Additionally, he provided 45 assists, all while playing as a midfielder. His technical ability and vision on the field have marked him as one of the brightest young prospects in the country.

International Recognition and Near Moves

Back in 2021, Schaper captained SuperSport United’s under-11 team during a tour of Spain, where he also caught the attention of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon. The talented youngster was even on the brink of joining Manchester United in 2020. However, the move was halted due to the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Family Support and Dedication

Schaper’s father, Jody, told The Citizen in 2022 that his son’s commitment to improving his game is extraordinary. “When he’s not training with his team, he’s at home practising drills. Camden’s skill level is beyond most kids his age, and his hard work is why clubs abroad are keen on him,” he said.

Joining the Ranks of South African Talents Abroad

The Benoni-born midfielder recently moved to England with his family, signalling a serious step in his football development. Should the deal with Chelsea materialise, Camden Schaper will join a select group of young South African players. These players are aiming to make their mark in the Premier League.

Currently, other young South African talents such as goalkeepers Thorsten “Spike” Brits (Manchester City), Samuel Archer (Tottenham Hotspur), and Elyh Harrison (Manchester United) are also developing in top English academies. Harrison, in particular, is highly rated at Manchester United and has featured on the bench for their senior team.

A New Hope for South African Football

Camden Schaper’s potential move to Chelsea highlights the increasing recognition of South African youth talent on the global football stage. Additionally, it offers hope for many aspiring players in the country dreaming of Premier League success.