Chelsea announce signing of 18-year-old star after eye-catching breakthrough season
Chelsea have signed another talented teenager who enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, which evidently caught the Blues’ eye and led to them snapping him up
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have signed another talented teenager(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea have announced the signing of Harrison Bettoni from Wigan Athletic on the back of a breakout season in League One.
Bettoni, 18, made 27 appearances for Wigan last season and scored four times, one of which was voted their goal of the season. His former club states that the two teams have agreed on a significant compensation fee for their academy graduate and made multiple long-term contract offers.
football.london understands that Chelsea’s plan is for the 18-year-old to play under-21s football this season before going out on loan next term. Bettoni has signed a four-year contract through to 2030.
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Wigan’s managing director, Sarah Guilfoyle, is quoted as saying in their statement: “As a Club, we made every possible effort to retain Harrison.
“We offered Harrison multiple strong and competitive long-term offers to remain at Wigan Athletic, reflecting both the high regard we have for his ability and the importance we saw him having in our future.
“Ultimately, every player reaches a point where they must make a decision they believe is right for their career. Harrison has chosen to pursue a new opportunity, and while we are disappointed not to see him continue his journey with us, we respect his decision.
“We’ve worked closely with Chelsea to agree a compensation package that reflects the time, care, and investment our Academy has put into Harrison’s development from a young age. Producing talented young players is something our Academy takes immense pride in, and it’s important that work is recognised.
“We thank Harrison for everything he has contributed during his time with us and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Bettoni primarily played as an attacking midfielder for the Latics last season. However, at around 6ft 2in, he can also play further forward, also featuring in a front two.
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Last season’s standout moment came on his debut against Wimbledon. After coming on midway through the second half with Wigan a goal behind, he scored a free-kick within seconds of coming on to equalise.
Then, three minutes from time, he finished off a counterattack to complete the comeback. Bettoni made 11 starts across all competitions.
In one of those, he nodded home the opener away to Burton Albion. Barely a fortnight later, Bettoni scored the only goal in their FA Cup third round tie against Preston North End to put their name in the next round, where they faced Arsenal.
