Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea have signed a wonderkid with a ‘huge’ career ahead of him

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Rio Ferdinand has urged one of Chelsea’s new academy signings to make the most of the “huge opportunity” that lies ahead.

Chelsea have signed a multitude of talented young players this summer, both for the academy and for the senior team.

Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estevao, Dario Essugo and Kendry Paez are just some of the talents who have arrived at Chelsea this summer.

Mike Penders, Kian Best and Jesse Derry have also joined the Blues, with Penders going out on loan to sister club Strasbourg.

Rio Ferdinand praises ‘huge opportunity’ for Jesse Derry

Derry is the latest player to join Chelsea, the 18-year-old forward putting pen to paper at Stamford Bridge after leaving Crystal Palace on a free transfer.

The England youth international took to Instagram to say it was a “dream come true to join the world champions”.

Rio Ferdinand was among those to reply, telling the youngster: “Good luck Jesse. Huge opportunity for you to grow and mature. The hard work continues…”

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What Jesse Derry could bring to Chelsea

Derry, an 18-year-old footballer who plies his trade at No. 10 or on the wings, began his football journey with Palace and made his Under-18s debut for the Eagles while still a schoolboy.

He was named Palace’s Under-18s Player of the Season at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, in which he registered 16 goals and six assists across 22 games.

Last season, Derry registered 12 goals in 12 appearances for the U18s, while also scoring once and assisting twice in 14 appearances for the U21s.

Derry’s performances also saw him earn a call-up to both England U18s and Under-19s in the summer.

The Chelsea newcomer scored a brace in two friendlies for England U18s, before netting twice for the U19s in their UEFA U19 European Championship.

Derry is the son of Shaun Derry, who enjoyed a fruitful playing career as a midfielder with the likes of Palace, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United and Sheffield United.