Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign US national team left-back Caleb Wiley for £8.5m.
The 19-year-old will join Chelsea from Atlanta United on a six-year contract. Wiley is expected to join Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, part of the same Blueco ownership group as Chelsea, on a season-long loan.
Wiley has risen through the ranks of Atlanta’s academy and has been part of the MLS club’s first team since 2022. He made his senior debut for the USMNT against Mexico last October.
“Caleb represents the path we envisioned when we started this club,” Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement. “Born and raised in Atlanta, he joined our Academy at age 11 and has conquered every step of the way.
“Over that time, he made his debut for the national team and was chosen to represent our country at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Now he can continue his career at a top club in Europe. We wish Caleb the best in this next career challenge and look forward to following his journey.”
Over two and a half seasons with Atlanta’s first team, Wiley recorded six goals and seven assists in 77 MLS appearances, including one goal and one assist in 21 appearances this season. He is now in Paris as part of the US team for the Olympic soccer tournament.
The left-back is Chelsea’s sixth summer signing under new coach Enzo Marescawith Omari Kellyman, Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu and Renato Veiga are already entering this transfer window. Like Guiu and Veiga, Wiley fits into Chelsea’s model of signing young players on long-term contracts. Guiu signed a six-year contract at the age of 18, with Veiga signing a seven-year contract at the age of 20.
