Chelsea have already signed the 'next Lamine Yamal' by hijacking dream £40m Man Utd transfer

Lamine Yamal has enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom since making his debut for FC Barcelona a couple of years ago. The 17-year-old winger, who doesn't turn 18 until July, also made his .

He helped Barcelona salvage a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final - . Marcus Thuram fired the Italian champions ahead inside the opening minute before Denzel Dumfries doubled their lead.

Yamal suddenly dragged Hansi Flick's team back into the game, with . Ferran Torres then found an equaliser shortly before the break, pulling Barcelona level.

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Dumfries found the net once again on the hour-mark, but Inter's lead didn't last long. Raphinha forced an own goal from Yann Sommer; and rebounded into the net off the goalkeeper's head.

Yamal became the youngest player to play a century of competitive games for Barcelona. His strike was also the 22nd goal of his professional career; at the same age, .

The teenage sensation has taken the world by storm, while Enzo Maresca could soon unleash his very own Yamal at Stamford Bridge. Earlier this year, .

The 18-year-old winger, who will join the Blues at the end of next season, has signed a seven-year contract, which includes the option of a further 12 months. Ruben Amorim handed Quenda his Portuguese top-flight debut back in August 2024, starting him in a 3-1 win over Rio Ave.

The Portugal Under-21 international made a great first impression, and he quickly became a key player for Sporting. Unsurprisingly, Quenda was linked with a move to Old Trafford when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as United boss, but Chelsea swiftly wrapped up a deal.

This season, he's already featured 50 times across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. Quenda's impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, having earned comparisons to Yamal.

Speaking to , Tiago Teixeira likened the youngster to the Barcelona superstar. The Sporting assistant coach said: "He's very, very good as a dribbler.

"He's impressive physically and can beat his direct opponent both inside and outside. I see similarities with Lamine Yamal. Both of them started playing senior football at 16, 17.

"Yamal is already playing for Spain but Quenda has just been called up by Portugal for the first time and I'm certain he's going to be a regular in the national team for years to come, and a star of the Champions League.

"He will get better with age and keep growing in confidence. He has everything he needs."

Meanwhile, Ivan Fresneda believes Chelsea fans should be excited about Quenda's arrival. Speaking to , the Sporting defender said: "I have a very good relationship with Quenda, I'm 20 and he's 17.

"Because of our age, we also have that relationship. I was surprised [by his rapid rise], of course. All you have to do is watch the training sessions, stay here for a week and see what that kid does, you'd go mad.

"Chelsea's interest doesn't surprise anyone at the club. Quenda is going to be big in the future.

"This season, next season and from now on. He's going to be something to talk about."

Maresca will be hoping Quenda enjoys as much success - at Chelsea - as Yamal has had at Barcelona...