Chelsea confirm signing of central defender

Chelsea have completed the signing of teenage defender Alfie Osborne from Scottish side Hearts.

The 18-year-old has signed a contract with the Blues until 2030 after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in Scotland.

Osborne was named Hearts B’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year after making 28 appearances in the Lowland Football League, the fifth tier of Scottish senior football.

Osborne has also represented Scotland at several youth levels and most recently captained his country during their UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying campaign.

He will now continue his development at Chelsea after putting pen to paper on a long-term deal at Cobham.

Another Chelsea youngster has departed, however, with 17-year-old Reggie Walsh joining League One Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.