Everything is positive about Chelsea right now in the European media. Antonio Conte leading his men on a brilliant run of victories has not only taken Chelsea to the top of the Premier League, but also seen respect for the club rise around Europe.
Therefore, when Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo cover Chelsea snatching one of the best La Masia talents, it’s not as sniping as usual. Chelsea snatched Josimar Quintero away from La Masia in 2013, and were largely aided by worries over his paperwork and Barcelona’s impending transfer ban for recruiting minors from other countries.
Chelsea managed to sidestep the issue with it argued his move was a family switch. Mundo Deportivo explain Ecuador born Josimar went ‘many months without playing for bureaucratic matters’, and they’re happy to see he recently scored against Manchester United’s U23s.
Clearly still fond of the 19 year old, the Catalan newspaper say Chelsea secured themselves ‘one of the best of his generation’.
It’s a long road from the U23 team to Antonio Conte’s first team squad, and Josimar may have to accept a loan move first.