{"id":19353,"date":"2026-07-20T21:31:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T21:31:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19353"},"modified":"2026-07-20T21:31:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T21:31:44","slug":"chelsea-are-trailing-borussia-dortmund-for-this-gifted-starlet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19353","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea are trailing Borussia Dortmund for this gifted starlet"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Chelsea are trailing Borussia Dortmund in the race to land Genk youngster Konstantinos Karetsas. It has been mentioned that the Blues have fallen behind the German club in pursuit of the Greek starlet this summer.<\/p>\n
Karetsas\u2019 Impressive Rise In English Football<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Karetsas has come through the youth ranks of Genk and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their first team. The 18-year-old has scored six times and earned 23 assists in 92 appearances for the Belgian outfit so far in multiple competitions.<\/p>\n
The talented teenager is currently among the most gifted playmakers in the Jupiler Pro League. Hence, Chelsea would do well to lure him to Stamford Bridge in this transfer window.<\/p>\n
His current contract at Genk will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Blues to sign him on the cheap this off-season.<\/p>\nUTRECHT, NETHERLANDS \u2013 JANUARY 22: Konstantinos Karetsas of Genk runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2025\/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Utrecht and KRC Genk at Stadion Galgenwaard on January 22, 2026 in Utrecht, Netherlands. (Photo by Lars Baron\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
What Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Do With Regards To Karetsas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Karetsas is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with it out on the flanks. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third and can shoot the ball with power from long range.<\/p>\n
The Greek sensation is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also function as a right-winger if told to do so by his manager. Karetas has already added some goals and assists to his game. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if the Blues manage to win the race for his services later this year.<\/p>\n
We can expect Karetsas to enhance the quality of Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso\u2019s frontline in the long run. He is already good enough to fight for a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
At 18, Karetsas has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each year. Hence, Alonso should consider stepping up his pursuit of him in this transfer period. However, Chelsea would have to be patient with his development before they can get the best out of him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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