---
title: "Chelsea ‘edging closer’ to signing of “great young” Championship star whose “ceiling is viewed as very high”"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/chelsea-close-to-signing-yisa-alao/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Chelsea Transfer Rumours"
published: "2026-01-21T18:34:00Z"
modified: "2026-01-21T18:34:00Z"
---

# Chelsea ‘edging closer’ to signing of “great young” Championship star whose “ceiling is viewed as very high”

[Chelsea](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours/)’s start under Liam Rosenior has been promising.

Wins against Charlton in the FA Cup and Brentford in the Premier League have lifted spirits, while a narrow 3–2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final showed they can compete with the top sides.

Despite encouraging performances, January remains a key period for [Rosenior as he seeks to reshape the squad.](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-jeremy-jacquet-3/)

One exciting signing appears to be on the horizon.

## **Chelsea Close to Signing Yisa Alao**

![Sheffield Wednesday's Yisa Alao in action with Brentford's Romelle Donovan. (Reuters/John Clifton)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-10T152507Z_604156188_UP1EM1A16TTXK_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-SHW-BRE-1024x734.jpg)

Sheffield Wednesday’s Yisa Alao in action with Brentford’s Romelle Donovan. (Reuters/John Clifton)

Chelsea are reportedly close to finalising the transfer of Sheffield United’s highly-rated left-back Yisa Alao, [according to The Sheffield Star.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-yisa-alao-chelsea-5483478)

The 19-year-old has impressed since making his Championship debut in December against Derby County, [earning praise from manager Henrik Pedersen](https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-yisa-alao-henrik-pedersen-5322760), who called him a “great young player,” while scouting network Rising Gems described him as a talent whose [“ceiling is viewed as very high.”](https://x.com/RisingGemsz/status/2002138661799035363)

The Blues, focusing on youth recruitment and long-term squad building, have agreed a six-figure fee upfront for Alao, despite interest from Everton and Manchester City. The deal is structured to reflect his potential as both a first-team prospect and a valuable asset for the future.

While Alao is expected to be a long-term addition, Chelsea are simultaneously working on reinforcements for the immediate campaign, with Rennes’ defender Jeremy Jacquet also linked as Rosenior looks to strengthen his defensive options.