Atlanta United has confirmed the transfer of left back Caleb Wiley to Premier League power Chelsea.
The Blues paid a reported £8.5 million ($11m) fee for the 19-year-old, who is expected to join Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on loan for the upcoming season.
Wiley will join up with Chelsea following his participation in the Olympics with the United States.
“Caleb epitomizes the pathway that we envisioned when we started this club,” Atlanta United vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a club release.
“Born and raised in Atlanta, he joined our Academy at 11 years old, played for ATL UTD 2 and went on to earn every step in his path up to signing as a Homegrown. Over that time, he debuted for the U.S. men’s national team and was chosen to represent our country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Now he can continue his career at a top club in Europe. We wish Caleb the best in this next challenge of his career and look forward to following his journey.”
Chelsea is pleased to announce the signing of United States international Caleb Wiley. ✍️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 22, 2024
Wiley made his pro debut for Atlanta United 2 in 2020 when he was just 15 years old, and made the jump to the first team as a regular in 2022.
Overall, Wiley made 85 appearances for Atlanta’s first team in all competitions, recording six goals and nine assists.
Wiley has earned two caps for the USMNT so far, making his debut in April 2023. He has also represented the U.S. at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.
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