Chelsea completed transfer for record-breaking wonderkid striker Enzo Maresca has to wait for

Dastan Satpaev has continued his fine year for Kairat Almaty with a goal in the Champions League qualifiers. The 16-year-old was signed by Chelsea earlier this year.

The Kazakhstan-born prospect can move to England when he turns 18 in just over two years. He has scored 10 times this season with eight of those coming in the Kazakhstan top flight.

In March, Satpaev made his international debut despite his age. He is now a regular starter for Kairat and has played in all 16 league games.

From scoring in his first game, Satpaev has managed a goal or assist in over half of his matches. He has 13 contributions so far with a strong start to the 2025 campaign.

Kairat have only lost twice, winning 11 of their games. A deal for Satpaev is expected to cost around £4million. He had been involved in the Kairat Under-18s UEFA Youth League play off attempts.

They were knocked out in the second round by Real Betis, losing 11-1 on aggregate over two legs. Satpaev assisted in the first game and scored in the second leg of the previous round against Rebeja.

Now, making the step up to the senior Champions League qualifying, he scored the opening goal of Kairat's first round draw with Olimpija. It is believed to have made him the youngest ever goalscorer for the country in European matches.

Although UEFA's records do not appear to include qualifying rounds, Satpaev's goal would make him the youngest player to have scored in the competition.

That accolade is currently held by Barcelona's Ansu Fati, who scored in a 2-1 win over Inter in December 2019. He was 17 and 40 days at the time. Satpaev's goal against Olimpija on Tuesday, July 8, came when he was 16 and 327 days.

Satpaev is one of a number of players Chelsea have signed early in the hopes of them developing into either profitable deals or additions to their first team. He is on the low-risk high-reward end of the scale, as opposed to Deivid Washington from Brazil, who cost £17million and has struggled to make the adaption to life in England.

Estevao Willian could potentially become the most expensive, ahead of even Geovany Quenda (£44million) if all of the add-ons are met in his potential £51million transfer. Chelsea have also identified full-back Denner from Brazil as one of their long-term project players.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.