Chelsea have shown interest in Philadelphia Union’s Malik Jakupovic and will face a battle with a few clubs for his signature.
The 17-year-old’s development at the MLS side has caught the attention of European clubs, including Chelsea.
He has been part of the club’s academy and has impressed for their reserve team. The striker made his Philadelphia Union II debut in 2025 and also represented them this year, managing 11 goals and an assist from 36 matches.
This helped the Michigan-born frontman make his debut for the first team earlier this year. He has a goal and an assist from 178 minutes from 12 matches so far.
Jakupovic has starred for USA U17s, scoring 12 goals and contributing an assist from nine matches. This hasn’t gone unnoticed in Europe, where the Premier League side are in contention to secure his services.
Chelsea in mix for American
Borussia Dortmund are keen and when covering the latest about them, Sky Deutschland mentions the Blues’ interest.
Serhou Guirassy, 30, and Fábio Silva are currently the strikers at the Signal Iduna Park. The Bundesliga side are already looking for Guirassy’s successor and seriously considering a fresh move for Malik Jakupovic.
BVB have been monitoring for a while and even made two offers of €2m and €3m in the summer. However, Philadelphia Union rejected them while the German club continue to maintain contact, likely with his camp.
Niko Kovač’s side won’t find it easy to sign the frontman and have to be worried about the ‘tough competition’ from Chelsea and a few others.
Fee won’t be issue for Chelsea
Besides Borussia Dortmund, Xabi Alonso’s side, VfB Stuttgart and AS Monaco have shown interest in the youngster. Eintracht Frankfurt have held talks over a potential move in the past.
With several clubs keen, Borussia Dortmund are expecting a fierce competition, meaning a tough battle with Chelsea and others for Malik Jakupovic’s signature. The MLS side’s asking price may also be a concern for BVB.
Their last offer was around €3m for a player with a contract until 2030, with an option for another year. Transfermarkt value him at €300k, while Sky state Philadelphia Union are demanding €10m to sell the striker.
The price may not be an issue for the London club, who continue to search for young talents. Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered a report from Germany explaining that the Blues want to sign Bayern Munich youngster Leonard Prescott.
Jakupovic will turn 18 years of age next June and will then be eligible to play in the UK. Chelsea can now agree a deal for him to arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer. The Blues or another club, however, haven’t made further advances so far.
