Chelsea in 'advanced talks' to sign USA international as divisive transfer strategy continues
Chelsea are closing in on an addition to their squad, with advanced talks underway to sign United States international left-back Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United. While nothing has been finalised yet, reports suggest Wiley could first develop at Strasbourg before joining the Blues.
At just 19 years old, Wiley has already made a significant mark in Major League Soccer. After joining Atlanta United's academy in 2016, he earned 81 first-team appearances for Atlanta United and two senior international caps for the USA.
Chelsea's transfer strategy for the summer of 2024 is likely to continue the same divisive trend which has seen the club splash out big money on numerous young players since being taken over by Clearlake Capital and appointing Todd Boehly as chairman. But, to ensure compliance with financial regulations and create space for these new additions, the club must offload players like Ian Maatsen, who has completed a move to Aston Villa, and Omari Hutchinson, who is poised to complete a permanent move to Ipswich Town.
The club is eyeing a striker, a goalkeeper, and a left-back, with Wiley being a perfect fit for their vision. According to The Athletic, Chelsea are in advanced talks over a transfer but L'Equipe reports Strasbourg is confident of signing him, a move which would ultimately be a pathway to Stamford Bridge.
The connection between Strasbourg and Chelsea was solidified when the Chelsea ownership company announced in June 2023 that they had agreed to acquire a majority stake in the French Ligue 1 club. This strategic move was designed to foster mutual and sustainable investments in Strasbourg's development, encompassing the first teams and the academy, promising a bright future for both clubs.
The plan was first built upon the groundwork laid by Marc Keller, who will remain the club's president. Since taking over in 2022, Boehly and co. have invested over $1 billion in Chelsea.
Wiley debuted with Atlanta United 2 in 2020 as he moved through the club's ranks. By 2022, he had signed a Homegrown Player contract, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to sign a professional deal. His journey with the club began in 2016 as part of United’s inaugural academy teams. He competed at the Under-12 level even before stars like Miguel Almiron and Josef Martínez debuted the following season.
Atlanta defender Caleb Wiley
He was introduced early to high-level soccer, as he worked as a ball boy during the 2018 MLS Cup. The young defender witnessed Atlanta United's 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers to become league champions in 2018.
The match unfolded before a record-breaking crowd of 73,019 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the largest in the event’s history. The young player was especially excited, as the game happened just two weeks before his 14th birthday.
Strasbourg ended last season in the middle of the Ligue 1 table with a balanced performance, achieving 13 wins, 12 draws, and 13 losses. Among the standout players were Emmanuel Emegha, who found the net 11 times, and Kevin Gameiro, who contributed nine goals before leaving the club as a free agent.