Chelsea has officially secured the signing of 16-year-old striker Dastan Satpaev from Kairat Almaty in a historic transfer for Kazakh football.
The deal, which was reported on Monday by Fabrizio Romano, worth a €4 million package including add-ons, marks the most expensive sale in the history of the Kazakhstan league.
Satpaev has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year, but he will only join the club when he turns 18 due to FIFA transfer regulations for minors.
This move comes as part of Chelsea’s continued push to acquire top young talents globally, but it also signals a significant moment for Central Asian football. With Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov recently sealing a transfer to Manchester City, 2025 is shaping up to be a golden era for the region, with its rising stars securing moves to Europe’s elite clubs. Satpaev’s switch to Stamford Bridge adds another milestone to this growing trend, as Central Asian prospects begin making their mark on the global stage.
Sapteav at Kairat. Central Asian football is on the verge of a golden generation. (Photo courtesy: Kairat Almaty)
Chelsea sign 16-year-old Kazakh striker Dastan Satpaev in a record €4M deal. Another sign of Central Asia's rising football era.