Nigeria's U-20 rising star Abduljelil Kamaldeen is at the centre of growing transfer interest, with Chelsea and West Ham United now set to battle it out for his signature.
Kamaldeen, just 16, has caught the eye with his dazzling performances for the Flying Eagles at the WAFU B U-20 Championship and the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The Kwara Football Academy (KFA) product has shown maturity well beyond his years, dictating play in midfield and even scoring in Nigeria's comeback win over Benin Republic earlier this year.
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Scholarship plans for Abduljelil Kamaldeen
With FIFA rules preventing underage players from signing professional contracts, both Chelsea and West Ham have made scholarship proposals to secure Kamaldeen's development. Sources close to the player revealed that Chelsea's youth scouts first tracked him during the World Cup, whilst West Ham have since joined the race after recent talks in London.
The proposals, Soccernet.ng gathered, will see Kamaldeen continue his education whilst honing his football at academy level, until he turns 17 and becomes eligible to sign a professional deal.
#INFO: Chelsea are reportedly pursuing Nigerian midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who is set to shine at the FIFA U20 World Cup. #BlueCo‘s global scouting network is focused on the tournament in Chile this month, targeting youngsters playing above their age group.
(Simon Barlow) pic.twitter.com/Z0asVxmjs3
— 💥 BlueCo Xtra® (@Bluecoxtra) October 1, 2025
Anderlecht and Antwerp to battle Chelsea and West Ham
Beyond England, Belgian clubs Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp have also been in touch through Kamaldeen's agent, whilst a Portuguese club – yet unnamed – reportedly submitted a bid for him to join their U-19 setup. At present, however, Chelsea and Royal Antwerp remain the most concrete suitors, with West Ham's recent entry intensifying the competition.
Despite his young age, Kamaldeen has already been handed a market valuation of £25,000 by his agent. This figure is expected to rise significantly if he continues to impress on the world stage. The teenage sensation has already enjoyed international exposure, including a training camp in Dubai last year, which further fuels the belief that he is destined for a big career in Europe.
The next Jay Jay Okocha?
Still only 16, Kamaldeen cannot sign a professional contract yet, but his poise, work rate, and creativity in midfield have drawn comparisons with Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha. Chelsea scouts are said to be especially impressed with his combination of football intelligence and technical ability, whilst West Ham see him as a long-term investment for their academy system.
The Kwara academy starlet remains focused on helping Nigeria at the U-20 World Cup, and if he continues to impress, he could emerge as the next big thing for the country.
This article was originally published on Soccernet.ng
