Exclusive: Chelsea in race to sign Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, offer imminent
Chelsea are among a number of top European clubs tracking Tromso defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, sources have told Football Insider.
The Norway-based 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most talented centre-backs in his age group.
Chelsea have sent scouts on a regular basis to watch Kinteh, while there is also growing interest from clubs in the Bundesliga as well as Portuguese giants Benfica and FC Porto.
Tromso are aware of the growing interest in Kinteh and they are braced for offers for the commanding centre-back in this month’s transfer window.
Kinteh joined the Norwegian club from Mawade Wade Academy in Senegal, the same institution that produced current West Ham and Senegal international defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh has quickly made himself known at Tromso
Tromso have produced numerous top talents in recent years.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl has recently emerged, with Leeds and Brighton eyeing the youngster.
Now, Kinteh will be looking to follow the path of his teammates and become another big star.
The defender has already showcased his potential numerous times, and he won the Eliteserien Young Player of the Month in May 2025.
Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh is a player I’ve been keeping an eye on since the summer, so it’s finally time I talk about this TOP LEVEL talent 👀🌟
— Robert Santonna (@RobertSantonna4) December 28, 2025
A 19 year old left-footed defender, for me Sedi Kinteh is one of THE BEST young centre backs outside of the major European leagues that… pic.twitter.com/GUW4maGK8I
With Chelsea continuously keen to sign young talents, they will be hopeful to secure the addition of Kinteh as soon as possible.
How good is Kinteh?
According to Fotmob on 9 January, the young defender excels in multiple attacking qualities.
Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 0.05 goals, 0.60 shots, 0.38 chances created and 1.04 successful dribbles.
| Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh’s Eliteserien stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.05 |
| Shots | 0.60 |
| Chances created | 0.38 |
| Successful dribbles | 1.04 |
| Duels won | 5.57 |
| Recoveries | 5.68 |
| Possession won in final third | 0.16 |
This, combined with his astute defending ability, makes Kinteh a valuable, upcoming asset for any side.
With Liam Rosenior now taking the helm at Chelsea, the defender could prove to be his first signing at the Blues if things develop quickly.
Hopefully, if the transfer does go through, it will be a successful one as Chelsea look to return to their previous heights in the Premier League.