Chelsea’s attacking options will be bolstered next summer when highly-rated young striker Dastan Satpayev joins up from Kazakhstan Premier League champions Kairat Almaty.
Satpayev, who won’t be eligible to arrive in the UK until he turns 18 years old in August 2026, has already drawn comparisons to Man City legend Sergio Aguero.
The young forward becomes the latest hotly tipped prodigy to join the Blues after the arrivals of Estevao and Kendry Paez.
Still just 17 years of age, Satpayev is a central figure for club and country, and he scored the crucial equaliser as Kairat drew with rivals FC Astana last weekend to confirm their fifth KPL title.
It was Satpayev’s 14th goal of a scintillating domestic campaign, which also included a further seven assists, and appearances against Sporting CP, Real Madrid, and Pafos in Kairat’s maiden Champions League campaign.
Having only been promoted to the first team in May 2024, Satpayev has not wasted time making his presence felt, showcasing exactly why Chelsea paid around £3.3million, including add-ons, for his services in February. It is a record sale for a player from the KPL.
The 2008-born forward, who at 16 years, 7 months, and 10 days became the youngest player to ever appear for the Kazakh senior team, has amassed six caps for his country since making his debut in March.
Standing just 5ft9in tall, Satpayev is not an imposing physical presence, but has been praised for his agility and speed while also displaying sharp instincts in front of goal.
Kairat chairman Qairat Boranbayev praised Satpayev after he sealed a second consecutive league title for the club over the weekend, hailing him as the league’s best player.
“Dastan is the best player of the season,” he declared in an interview with Kazakh outlet Vesti. “He has performed exceptionally well for his age, and this has been noted not only by us but also by our opponents in the Champions League.
“He’s a bright Kazakhstani star who we hope will continue to develop.
“He will play for Kairat next season, as he cannot leave for England until he turns 18. He will be with us until [next] June-August.”
Satpayev is not expected to initially join up with Chelsea’s first team.
Chelsea are already spoiled for choice in attacking areas, and are expected to integrate Paez next season following his loan spell at Strasbourg. Striker Emanuel Emegha has signed a pre-agreement to join Chelsea in 2026 from their sister club.
Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda is also set to join Chelsea next summer for a fee in the region of £40m.
Chelsea have embarked on a policy of recruiting the best young players from across the world since a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022, with Satpayev the latest prodigious talent to be brought to west London.
Satpayev is considered a once-in-a-generation talent in Kazakhstan, but will likely be loaned out to refine his game before being introduced to Chelsea’s first team.
