Burkino Faso international Bertrand Traore has been on trial with Chelsea since the start of the 2010-11 season, when he rejected Manchester United in favour of the Blues, but has been unable to sign for the London outfit since he is not eligible for a work permit in the UK.
The 17-year-old was reportedly taken to pre-season training with the Blues’ first-team squad at the insistence of the Chelsea youth staff, who convinced Mourinho that the teen is ready to be a part of the first-team squad.
And the youngster has not disappointed his youth coaches after putting in some mature and impressive displays during the pre-season friendly matches in Asia. He has notched up 2 goals in 3 matches, first finding the net against Malaysia XI and then hitting a beautiful left-footed curler against the Indonesian All-Stars.
According to Metro, Jose Mourinho has been so impressed by Traore that he is desperate for Chelsea to sign him up. The Portuguese tactician hopes all the required paperwork to sign the 17-year-old will be completed before his 18th birthday, after which he will promoted straight to the first-team.
He said, “Traore we would like to keep. For a 17-year-old boy, sooner or later, the committee has to give him a permit to play in England.”
He added, “He’s been playing for his country at the same time as training with us – he should get his deserved permit. There are no dramas with it. It’s fantastic for him to come here and play with us, and it’s fantastic for Chelsea.”
If the midfielder would like to be eligible for a work permit, he must have played in at least 75% of his countries international matches with the country itself being ranked no below than 70 in the world.
In case that criteria is not fulfilled, Traore can be eligible for a work permit via the Home Office if Chelsea can prove he is a ‘special talent’ who is in their plans for next season.
The report suggests that Mourinho is likely to utilise Traore in the Capital One cup squad next season if the player can get a work permit for the UK so lets hope the necessary paperwork is handled so we can watch this young talent.