Chelsea have completed the signing of Kairat prospect Dastan Satpaev on a long-term contract.
The winter transfer window concluded with the Blues having facilitated a number of notable outgoings while only adding one youngster to their ranks.
Acquiring Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne continued the trend of signing some of the globe's most promising youngsters on deals lasting at least six years.
Despite the next trading point not starting until June, Chelsea have remained busy in their efforts to add yet further starlets to their roster.
As confirmed by Kairat, the Premier League giants have decided to sign 16-year-old Satpaev on a five-year deal.
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What are Chelsea paying for Satpaev?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have committed to paying a €4m (£3.33m) with add-ons included, a record for a player from Kazahkstan.
Due to FIFA regulations, Satpaev will not be in a position to complete a transfer to Stamford Bridge until he turns 18 years of age in August 2026.
Although Satpaev has been limited to just one 10-minute outing in the senior ranks, he has put together eye-catching numbers for the youth team.
A total of 27 goals and nine assists have come from 28 appearances for the Under-18s. In the UEFA Youth League, he supplied an assist against Real Betis back in October.
With the new Kazakhstani Premier Liga starting in March, there will be intrigue over whether Satpaev features in the first-team squad.
Kairat - the defending champions - will also be participating in the first qualifying round of the Champions League later in 2025.
Chelsea are no strangers to experience Kazakhstani conditions having faced Astana in the Conference League as recently as December, prevailing from that contest by a 3-1 scoreline.