Camden Schaper is causing a stir in the European youth football community - Photo: FB
British media reported that Chelsea and Man City are in a fierce battle to sign 13-year-old football prodigy Camden Schaper from Blackburn's youth team. Chelsea have even offered to pay £700,000 (equivalent to $950,000, VND25 billion) to Blackburn.
Does FIFA allow it?
FIFA has strict regulations prohibiting the transfer of minor players (under 18 years old). However, in reality, big teams often circumvent the law by spending money to "buy back the right to train" young players from another training center.
This is considered a private agreement between the two teams, as well as the young player's family. With top football leagues like England, transfers from the U15 age group are not uncommon.
However, the million USD that Chelsea had to spend on a 13-year-old boy like Schaper is really strange.
Camden Schaper was born in South Africa and started his football career at SuperSport United - one of the most famous academies in South African football.
From a young age, Schaper showed outstanding ball control and tactical thinking. At the age of 8, he was invited to a trial with Manchester United - an early sign of a promising future.
The Schaper family then decided to move to England, creating conditions for him to develop in the world's leading football environment. The boy joined the Blackburn Rovers academy.
13 years old playing like 17 years old
At 13, Schaper was already playing at a much higher level than his peers. In the Blackburn youth teams, he was often pushed to play against players 2-3 years older.
What makes training experts pay attention is not only the ability to dribble or shoot, but also the maturity in tactical thinking and vision for playing football.
Schaper plays primarily as an attacking midfielder. He possesses excellent individual technique, the ability to control the ball in tight spaces and creative passing.
“Camden plays like a 17-year-old in a 13-year-old's body,” commented a Blackburn youth coach.
Only 13 years old, but Schaper has a chance to change his life - Photo: FB
In the Premier League, Chelsea are considered the most active team in this type of "harvesting young rice" activity. They offered to pay 700,000 pounds for training to Blackburn, with an additional fee if Schaper develops into an expensive star in the future.
Interestingly, Camden's brother - Astin Schaper is currently playing for Man City's youth team. Therefore, the Etihad team is also competing with Chelsea for his signature.
Many football experts have criticized the premature inflation of young players' prices, saying it will ruin their future.
But on the other hand, some young players put in similar situations to Schaper have actually risen to stardom.
Examples include Billy Gilmour - who cost Chelsea £500,000 (to Rangers) at the age of 15, or Claudio Echeverri, a midfielder for Man City who was valued at $1 million at the age of 14.
Luckily for Schaper, his family has always been very private, focusing only on developing their children's careers.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/13-year-old-boy-plays-football-for-a-family-of-25-year-old-boy-20250616175005308.htm
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