Chelsea are set to add yet another teenager from the Nordic regions of Europe, by reportedly agreeing the transfer of youth prospect Jimi Tauriainen from HJK Helsinki, who turned 16 yesterday.
The transfer will go through on July 1st, when the FIFA registration window opens, but there are pictures of him signing papers with a Chelsea badge in the background, and even holding up a Chelsea shirt while posing with head coach Frank Lampard.
So yeah, probably quite real.
Chelsea have signed young HJK player Jimi Tauriainen (16 yesterday) - he’ll move to London in the summer https://t.co/FN96tYLAYR #cfc pic.twitter.com/T7QTa1dYSr
— Escape To Suomi (@EscapeToSuomi) March 9, 2020
The Finland U16 international has apparently been scouted by many of the bigger teams in Europe, and has had trials with Juventus, Inter Milan, and other unnamed clubs in the UK and Germany. His older brother, Julius, currently plays for Freiburg’s U19 team. Their father is 34-time Finland international Pasi Tauriainen, so very much a footballing family going on there.
The ever-excellent @chelseayouth did some digging on the youngster Tauriainen, and he apparently very much fits the mold of what the Chelsea Academy looks for in a player (obviously): “dynamism, athleticism, technique, end product”. He’s left footed and has played in every position up and down the left flank already — though such positions don’t always matter in the end (e.g. Reece James used to be a striker and didn’t play full/wing-back until just a few years ago).
More notes from someone who's watched him: a sumptuous left foot wherever he plays, and has experience in defence, centre mid and wide attack. Has the hallmark attributes the academy look for; dynamism, athleticism, technique, end product. Part of a talented 2004 Finland group.
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) March 9, 2020
Tauriainen is the fourth player from the region to agree a transfer to Chelsea in recent months, joining countryman Lucas Bergström, Bryan Fiabema (Norway), and Edwin Andersoon (Sweden). Where we once used to sign ALL the Belgians, now apparently we’re mining the Nordics for talent.
Welcome, soon, Jimi!