Chelsea have completed the signing of highly-rated 16-year-old forward Dastan Satpaev, who will join the club when he turns 18. The Kazakhstani talent, currently playing for reigning Kazakhstan Premier League champions FC Kairat Almaty, has been snapped up by the Blues for a fee of £3.3 million, which includes add-ons. This marks a record transfer for a player from the Kazakh Premier League, highlighting Chelsea’s commitment to securing young, promising players for the future.

Satpaev impressed during a trial at Chelsea in November, leading to the club’s decision to secure his signature. The forward, who can play as a centre-forward or on the left wing, will sign a five-year contract that includes an option for an additional year once he turns 18 in August 2026. Satpaev’s impressive rise has already earned him international recognition, as he is a Kazakhstan Under-17 international, scoring four goals in 10 appearances for his country at that level.

Satpaev’s achievements at Kairat are remarkable for someone of his age. He made history in May 2024 by becoming the youngest first-team player in the club’s history at just 15 years old. His potential has caught the eye of top European clubs, with Chelsea now securing his services for the long term. The signing fits into Chelsea’s strategy under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, who have made it a priority to recruit young talent since taking over the club in May 2022.

While Chelsea have been active in sending players out on loan in January, their only permanent addition to the first team so far is 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou, who joined from Saint-Etienne. With Satpaev set to arrive in a couple of years, Chelsea fans are eager to see how the teenager develops and whether he can make an impact when he eventually joins the squad at Stamford Bridge.