Chelsea complete Man City raid as new signing confirmed

The latest Chelsea news as the club are continuing the restructure of the academy with the hope of future talent being able to make their way into the first team.

Chelsea have announced that Glenn van der Kraan has joined the club as academy technical director, completing a move from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Dutchman had been with City since 2020, where he held the title of head of coaching for the Under-9s to the Under 14s. During his time at the Etihad Stadium he worked with Joe Shield who moved to Chelsea as co-director of recruitment and talent in January 2023, and was tasked with restructuring the club’s academy.

Van der Kraan’s appointment was reported by Training Ground Guru back in July, but has now been confirmed by the club. It has been confirmed that he will lead the youth development programme alongside Jake Francis, who has taken up a new role as the academy’s football operations director.

Chelsea will help the restructure of the academy will help bring youth prospects into the first team in future years. The Blues currently have academy graduates Levi Colwill and Reece James as part of the first team squad.

In a statement on the club’s website sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley gave their reaction to the appointment. “We are very pleased to make this announcement as Glenn brings his vast experience and track record for success in youth development into his new position at Chelsea,” they said.

“Alongside the vital continuity and experience that Jack brings to his new role, we are excited about this new leadership and the potential within the academy moving forward. The academy is fundamental to the plan for the future of the club, with Glenn and Jack now in place to steer the operation alongside the immense expertise already within the academy building at Cobham.”

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