Why Chelsea should make a move for teenage talent Lazar Samardzic
According to Bild (h/t Daily Express), Chelsea have entered the race to sign Hertha Berlin teenager Lazar Samardzic.
The 18-year-old Samardzic has progressed through Hertha’s youth ranks and broke into the first team this season, making three Bundesliga appearances for them.
However, with Matheus Cunha and Vladimir Darida firmly establishing in the first-team and Ondrej Duda returning from a loan spell at Norwich, Samardzic is concerned about his game time and is looking to leave the club. (h/t Daily Express)
The youngster believes that the availability of enough players could stall his development and is looking for a switch somewhere else. This has opened the doors for a variety of clubs in Europe including Chelsea, AC Milan, and Juventus who are keen to secure the German wonderkid’s signature. (h/t Daily Express)
The youngster has 14 goals and nine assists from 16 appearances in the U19 Bundesliga Nord-Nordost this season. An attacking midfielder by trade, the teenage talent is also capable of playing out wide, which in turn makes him a versatile option for any club interested in him.
Samardzic an excellent future investment for Chelsea
Meanwhile, Chelsea under new boss Frank Lampard has climbed to fourth in the league this season. Lampard’s decision to keep faith in his side’s youngsters has borne fruit this term despite the side not able to sign any new players last summer due to the transfer ban.
Academy graduates such as Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James, and Fikayo Tomori have had breakthrough seasons under Lampard, often, delivering the goods when given the chance to play.
In fact, Abraham is the side’s top scorer in the league with 15 goals to his name while Mount has impressed with six goals and five assists. With Chelsea’s young guns proving to be the side’s main contributors this season, it makes complete sense why they are interested in Samardzic.
Despite just 18, he has already made his debut in the German top division and is also a regular within the German U19 side, for whom he has featured six times so far.
Also, his versatility to play across both the flanks would be an added benefit for a side like Chelsea. Hence, they should push ahead with their interest in Samardzic and bring him to Stamford Bridge as he can prove to be an excellent signing for the future.
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Verdict
It is true Chelsea have enough depth in midfield and first-team opportunities will be limited for Samardzic if he makes a switch to England. However, he is just 18 now and can undergo his development under the guidance of a coach like Lampard. Thus, by all means, it seems like a win-win situation for both parties.
