Chelsea have confirmed scholarship deals with 10 young stars. The Blues are well known for their bright academy members, and now the club have 10 more bright sparks who have the opportunity to work their way up in the Chelsea ranks.

Jamie Cumming, Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Reece James, George McEachran (younger brother of Josh), Zach Medley, Dujon Sterling, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Juan Castillo and Tariq Uwakwe have all put pen to paper on scholarship deals with the club.

However, it’s one name on the list that stands out the most. Juan Castillo is a 16-year-old midfielder who has come through the famous youth ranks of Ajax. He has represented Holland at U16 level, and was heavily monitored by the likes of Manchester United prior to his Chelsea move.

The youngster is almost completely unknown, but for those who know him, it would seem Chelsea have bagged themselves a future star in the making.

Jim Fraser is especially insistent that the club have scouted a star, speaking on the Blues website he had this to say on the 16-year-old:

“Juan is an exciting player who we have tracked for some time while he was playing in the Netherlands with Ajax. He played more as a winger in his younger schoolboy days but features mostly now as a central midfield player. He has captained Ajax and the Netherlands, representing his country at Under-16 level. He knows many of his new teammates after coming up against them in international matches and tournaments.”

Another name on the list that people might recognise is that of George McEachran. George is the younger brother of former Blues midfielder Josh, who now plays for Brentford but was once touted for greatness at Stamford Bridge.

Jim Fraser had this to say on the youngster:

“George has been training with us from the start of his Under-8 year and is the youngest in the group. A left-footed attacking player, he has played mostly in midfield or in the number 10 position progressing through the age groups. In the last couple of years he has featured on the left-wing, right-wing as well as a loose striker. The younger brother of Josh, he has also played for England Under-16s.”

[All quotes via Chelseafc.com]

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all the new academy lads the best of luck during their time at the club.