Chelsea tracking Morocco international starlet

News » Premier League news » Chelsea news

January 2, 2026 15:19 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Chelsea’s scouts and board have met to discuss a transfer move for 22-year-old right-back Omar El Hilali, currently playing for Spanish outfit Espanyol. The defender has caught the eye with several good performances this season, including two assists, and the Blues are weighing up a transfer deal that could be worth up to £18 million to sign the youngster.

The Stamford Bridge side have been busy signing Europe’s brightest young prospects and in El Hilali, the club’s board believe they are acquiring a talent that will force his way into the Chelsea first-team very quickly.

Comfortable playing on the right side of defence or in the middle, El Hilali already has 80 full league appearances for Espanyol and made his debut in 2021.

El Hilali’s current contract runs until 2027, and Espanyol have the option of a further one year extension. It is understood that the Catalan side are open to a sale, as they need to generate funds in the transfer window. A sale of their best young player appears to be inevitable.