Chelsea clapped for a new South American player!

After early successes with Estevao, Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo, the Premier League club's officials continue to bank on the South American market.

Deinner Ordonez, Ecuador's U20 international since the age of 15, became the team's youngest player in the South American U20 Championship in January, starting as a starter in the win against Bolivia.

The transfer is made, but Federation rules delay arrival

The rules of the FA (English Football Association) are clear: clubs in England cannot legitimize foreign players under 18 years of age.

This means that Ordonez will be able to arrive in London only in January 2028, immediately after reaching the required age.

Fabrizio Romano claims that all terms between Chelsea and Independiente del Valle have been agreed and the Londoners have won the battle with three other interested clubs.

One of them would have been Liverpool, according to a recent report in the Daily Mail, which noted that the young defender had been closely monitored by the Merseyside club.

Independiente del Valle, a talent factory for Chelsea

The Ecuadorians have produced important names in recent years, among them Moises Caicedo, the current star of Chelsea, but also Kendry Paez, currently on loan at Strasbourg, but considered a future starter at Stamford Bridge.

Viral Reactions On X: 'This Club Is So Weird'

• “Chelsea are signing another young player who looks really talented, and the fact that he won't be coming until 2028 shows that their project is long-term.”

• “Chelsea are just picking up all the available talent that comes their way.”

• “They are building a team for FC 2030 (not the video game), not the Premier League.”

• “No major transfers expected at Chelsea in January. No problem, we'll get another 16-year-old for 2028.”

• “They've started this nonsense again.”

• “This club is so weird.”