Chelsea have wrapped up the signing of 16-year-old defender Deinner Ordonez from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle but they are not finished yet as they look to exploit the South American market once again
Chelsea are showing interest in 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder Felipe Morais. The talented gem, who can play as a No.10 or winger, currently plays for Cruzeiro’s U20 side and Brazil U17s at international level.
With help from their chief South American scout Alysson Marins, the Blues have done plenty of shopping in Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador during the Clearlake Capital era.
Last week, Chelsea wrapped up a deal to sign 16-year-old defender Deinner Ordonez from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle, where the likes of Moises Caicedo, PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie came through the ranks.
Now they are hoping to beat Barcelona to the signing of Morais, though other top European clubs are also believed to be in the mix for his signature.
The playmaker has made 13 appearances for Brazil’s U17s, scoring two goals since making his debut in March 2025.
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However, he is widely regarded as one of the best 2008-born talents globally and a move to European football in the near future now appears to be a formality.
Chelsea have had great joy shopping in the South American market and their hit rate in the region has created belief there are more gems to be had.
Wonderkid Estevao Willian has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since joining the Blues from Palmeiras in the summer. Andrey Santos, signed from Vasco da Gama in 2023, is also viewed as a player with huge potential at Stamford Bridge.
Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Paez, 18, is currently acclimatising to European football on loan at BlueCo-owned Strasbourg. Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino has battled a host of injury issues this season while on loan at Borussia Dortmund but the future also looks bright for the defender.
Reports from Brazil suggesting Chelsea have already lodged an £8.8million bid for Morais remain unconfirmed at this stage.
It’s said that his contract at Cruzeiro contains a release clause worth potentially up to £88million.
The signing of Ordonez is part of the club’s long-term vision to build their defensive line. The Ecuador youth international is expected to arrive in west London in December 2027 and January 2028, once he has turned 18.
Ordonez was linked with Liverpool, however, it’s understood Sam Jewell, Chelsea’s Director of Global Recruitment, flew to South America to close the deal in person.
