Chelsea Completes £8.5M Deal for USMNT Defender Caleb Wiley

Chelsea has completed the signing of U.S. Men's National Team defender Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United for a reported fee of £8.5 million ($10.9 million). The 19-year-old has agreed to a six-year contract with the Premier League side, which includes an option for an additional one-season extension.

The club announced, "Chelsea is pleased to announce the signing of United States international Caleb Wiley," on their official website.

Wiley, who plays as a left-back, joined Atlanta United's first team in 2022 and made his senior debut for the United States against Mexico last October. Currently, he is in Paris with the U.S. squad for the Olympic Games.

Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Wiley will be evaluated by Chelsea's new manager, Enzo Maresca, as a potential competitor for the positions held by Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. Reports suggest that Wiley might be loaned out to French club Strasbourg for the upcoming season, a team that shares ownership with Chelsea through the Blueco group.