The growth path of young geniuses: Why did Chelsea choose Saar?

The deal Chelsea signed young centre-back Mamadu Saar from Strasbourg is a very typical case that reflects a new trend in today's football world, that is, the advantage of the "multi-club ownership" model in signings.

We first need to understand the relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg. They belong to the same parent company (BlueCo). This makes the transfer of players between the two clubs like a transfer of personnel within a group, and the process is much simpler and smoother than negotiations with other clubs. This is a strategic advantage.

Secondly, let’s look at the idea of ​​this signing. Chelsea signed Saar not because he hoped that he would take the lead in the first team tomorrow, but a "talent reserve" that focused on the future. This 19-year-old young player has played as the main player in Strasbourg in Ligue 1 last season and has made 28 appearances. This shows that he has proven his ability to gain a foothold in an environment of the top five European leagues.

For Chelsea, they can use the Strasbourg platform to observe and train young people with potential. After the player performs well and proves himself, he will be successfully received by Chelsea. This model greatly reduces the risk of directly introducing players from the youth team or minor leagues.

Look at the details of the contract again. Chelsea gave the 19-year-old a very long contract until 2033. This approach is also a landmark operation of the new Chelsea boss now. On the one hand, long contracts can distribute transfer fees in accounts for many years, which helps meet the requirements of the Financial Fairness Act. On the other hand, it has completely locked in the future of this young player and regarded him as an important asset for the club in the next decade.

As for Saar's specific arrangements for next season, whether to stay in the first team or continue to loan, it depends on the evaluation of head coach Maresca. From the perspective of player development, what a 19-year-old central defender needs most is stable game time. If you are not guaranteed for the first team for the time being, then loaning him to another team that can play as the main team and continuing to exercise for a year or two may be a more reasonable choice.

In general, this contract perfectly demonstrates how Chelsea operates under the BlueCo system: using satellite clubs as a "trial field" and "talent pool", and then using long contracts to lock in potential young people. This is a very modern and very business-minded club business strategy.