According to Nizaar Kinsella of the London Evening Standard, Chelsea are interested in Julian Hall, a highly-rated New York Red Bulls winger who was the second-youngest player in the MLS.
Chelsea have been monitoring his progress for some time and haven’t been shy about signing young talent under Todd Boehly. The Blues aren’t the only side interested in Hall either, so who is he?
Who is Julian Hall?
Hall is product of the NY Red Bulls’ academy who made his first-team debut at the beginning of October. The 15-year-old was an unused substitute in September’s 5-3 win over DC United and came off the bench in their 1-0 defeat to Chicago Fire a week later.
He’s had a hand in three goals from 11 games for NY Red Bulls’ reserve team and netted four goals from nine games for USA U15s, so Hall has a bright future. Kinsella writes that the young winger netted two goals against Chelsea in an U15s Generation Adidas Cup match in April too.
Chelsea have stiff competition for his signature
The Blues want Hall to undergo a Cobham trial before he turns 16 in January, but Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich want to hijack a deal. Hall recently signed a new deal at the Red Bull Arena until 2026, so the Metros can block any move away.
Man City, Real and Bayern are more attractive clubs due to recent success, but Hall stands a better chance of breaking into Chelsea’s first-team. Since Boehly took over the Blues in 2022, they’ve mostly signed young players on long-term deals.
There are four teenagers in Chelsea’s senior squad and 11 players who are 21 or under. Mauricio Pochettino blooded through lots of young talent as Tottenham manager, so that bodes well for Hall.
In other news, should Chelsea consider a move for Ivan Toney in January?
