By OkayGoal 
Chelsea are monitoring 19-year-old Santos left-back Souza as part of their continued focus on South American prospects, according to reports from Brazil relayed by Sport Witness. The teenager has broken into the Santos first team this year, registering 19 appearances and providing two assists in all competitions.
Souza is described as one of the brightest young players in the Santos setup, and his emergence has already drawn attention from Europe. While Chelsea are one of several clubs tracking him, the player remains under contract until 2028, meaning any move would likely require a significant offer.
Souza on Chelsea radar amid wider South American strategy
The Blues have ramped up recruitment from South America in recent windows, blending high-upside talent with long-term planning. Estevão Willian is the standout among their recent acquisitions, while others like Deivid Washington have struggled to make an early impact.
Souza’s attacking profile and early senior minutes have made him a name to watch, though it remains unclear how close Chelsea are to making a formal approach. The interest aligns with the club’s wider strategy of identifying emerging talent before prices escalate.
Boehly’s involvement unclear despite speculation
Reports linking Todd Boehly to the scouting or approval of Souza are likely overstated. While Chelsea’s ownership group remains invested in the club’s long-term model, recruitment decisions are now driven by a more structured sporting department.
With the American’s brief hands-on sporting role yielding mixed results, including high-profile contract decisions, it’s unlikely he is directly involved in scouting teenage full-backs. Nonetheless, the club’s interest in Souza appears genuine and part of a broader recruitment focus.
Elsewhere, Chelsea academy adds young full-back from West Ham
As the senior team weighs potential moves abroad, Chelsea have also secured a domestic addition. Teenage full-back Riley Ebho has joined from West Ham to strengthen the academy ranks. Meanwhile, Estevão has been left out of Brazil’s starting XI against Japan, increasing his chances of featuring against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Chelsea’s approach to youth recruitment continues to lean heavily on early investment in potential, and Souza is the latest name in an increasingly global search for future first-team contributors.