Chelsea Agree £10m Deal to Sign Lyon’s Promising Talent Duje Caleta-Car, Recommended by Club Scouts
Chelsea Agree £10m Deal to Sign Lyon’s Promising Talent Duje Caleta-Car, Recommended by Club Scouts
Chelsea Football Club has taken another significant step in strengthening their squad by agreeing to a £10 million deal to sign Duje Caleta-Car from Olympique Lyonnais. The 27-year-old Croatian defender, highly recommended by the club’s scouting department, is expected to bring much-needed depth and experience to the Chelsea backline.
The signing of Caleta-Car comes as part of Chelsea’s broader strategy to reinforce their squad with players who not only have international experience but also fit the club’s tactical needs. Caleta-Car, a player known for his strong defensive skills and ability to play out from the back, has been on the radar of Chelsea’s scouting team for some time.
According to sources within the club, the recommendation to pursue Caleta-Car was made after a thorough assessment of his performances at Lyon, where he has been a consistent presence since joining the French club from Marseille in 2022. The scouts highlighted his versatility, aerial ability, and composure on the ball as key attributes that would benefit Chelsea, particularly as the club competes on multiple fronts this season.
Chelsea’s sporting director, Laurence Stewart, played a crucial role in finalizing the deal. Stewart, who has been instrumental in Chelsea’s transfer activities this summer, was keen to secure the services of Caleta-Car, recognizing the need for additional defensive options following the departure of several key players.
Duje Caleta-Car began his professional career at Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he developed a reputation as a reliable and composed central defender. His performances in Austria earned him a move to Olympique de Marseille in 2018, where he spent four successful seasons, establishing himself as one of the top defenders in Ligue 1.
In 2022, Caleta-Car transferred to Olympique Lyonnais for a reported fee of €15 million. During his time at Lyon, he continued to impress with his consistent displays at the heart of the defense, earning praise for his leadership qualities and tactical awareness. His ability to read the game and his strength in the air have made him a formidable opponent for attackers in the French league.
Caleta-Car’s performances at both club and international levels have not gone unnoticed. He has been a regular for the Croatian national team, contributing to their campaigns in major tournaments, including the UEFA Euro 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Chelsea’s decision to bring in Caleta-Car is seen as a strategic move to address the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. With the departure of Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal earlier in the summer, and the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile, Chelsea’s defense has been a key area of focus for manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino, who took over as Chelsea’s head coach earlier this year, has made it clear that he wants a squad with depth and competition for places. The acquisition of Caleta-Car aligns with his vision of building a team that can compete at the highest level in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Speaking about the transfer, Pochettino said, “Duje Caleta-Car is a player we’ve been following closely, and I’m delighted to have him join our squad. His experience in top leagues and at the international level will be invaluable as we look to challenge on all fronts this season. He brings a calmness and composure to our defense, and I’m confident he will integrate well into our system.”
Caleta-Car’s arrival at Stamford Bridge is expected to provide a significant boost to Chelsea’s defensive options. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, the Croatian is known for his aerial prowess, making him a threat during set-pieces both defensively and offensively. His ability to play as a center-back in a back three or a back four gives Pochettino tactical flexibility.
Moreover, Caleta-Car’s experience in European competitions with Marseille and Lyon will be crucial as Chelsea prepares for the UEFA Champions League. His familiarity with playing against top European clubs will be an asset in navigating the challenges of the group stages and beyond.
Off the pitch, Caleta-Car is known for his professionalism and work ethic. His leadership qualities were evident during his time at Lyon, where he often served as a mentor to younger players in the squad. Chelsea fans can expect a player who not only performs consistently but also contributes positively to the team dynamic.
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea’s recruitment team remains active, but the signing of Duje Caleta-Car is a significant addition to the squad. The club is confident that the Croatian defender will quickly adapt to the demands of the Premier League and become a key player for Chelsea in the coming seasons.
Chelsea fans are eagerly anticipating Caleta-Car’s debut in the famous blue shirt, with expectations high that he will help shore up the defense and contribute to the club’s pursuit of silverware.
