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Chelsea have reportedly struck a deal with FC Dallas to sign 15-year-old U.S. youth international Benji Flowers when he reaches the eligible age.
Flowers, who was recently selected for the MLS Next All-Star Game, is widely considered one of the most promising young talents in American youth soccer. The teenager is developing his skills at Dallas' academy and made his second-team debut in MLS Next Pro back in March at just 14 years old.
Never one to overlook a gifted youngster, Chelsea took note. The Athletic reports the Blues secured Flowers for an initial fee of approximately $3 million (£2.25 million). Performance-related add-ons, including appearances for Dallas and youth national team achievements, could push the total value to around $10 million (£7.5 million).
The MLS club retain a sell-on clause, ensuring Dallas receives a percentage of any future transfer fee should Flowers move to another club down the line.
Chelsea Stay True to Transfer Model ... for Better or Worse
If any Premier League club was going to be scouting a young forward in the United States, it was always going to be Chelsea. The Blues have increasingly become prominent figures in the under-21 transfer market, and landing Flowers is simply the latest addition to that track record.
The west London club previously agreed a deal with Kendry Páez at age 15 to join Chelsea upon turning 18. However, the Ecuadorian forward has yet to make a single appearance in a blue shirt. The Blues initially sent him out on loan to sister club Strasbourg before dispatching him back to South America with River Plate, all without him playing a single minute for the first team.
Recent reports suggest both Chelsea and River Plate are ready to terminate that arrangement following a disappointing stint from Páez, who could be loaned out to a third club this summer.
The £17.2 million signing has largely proven to be a costly disappointment, though Estêvão at least offers a more encouraging example. In 2024, Chelsea signed the winger at 17 before eventually bringing him to Stamford Bridge last season. Despite battling a series of injuries, the Brazilian still contributed eight goals and three assists across 36 appearances.
In the coming years, Chelsea will be hoping their investment pays dividends and that Flowers follows the path of Estêvão rather than that of Páez.
Flowers Inks First-Team Deal With Dallas
Benji Flowers, forward for FC Dallas. pic.twitter.com/pn9DJrkeYV
Not only did Flowers reportedly secure a future transfer to Stamford Bridge, but he also penned a first-team contract with Dallas running through 2030–31, with an option to extend to 2031–32. At 15 years old, he became the youngest player in the club's history to sign a professional contract.
What makes the deal even more special is that Flowers is a homegrown talent, having joined the club's academy at the age of 10.
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"Benji's signing is another proud moment for FC Dallas and our Academy," said club president Dan Hunt. "Our commitment has always been to develop young players and provide them with a clear pathway to the professional game. Benji has embraced every step of that journey through hard work, determination and the support of his family.
"His signing is a reflection of the tremendous work being done throughout the FC Dallas Academy and reinforces what is possible for the next generation of players. We are excited to watch him continue his development with FC Dallas and North Texas SC."