Chelsea are reportedly making another potentially important move behind the scenes, appointing former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana into a newly created "talent management role covering Africa".

As per The Athletic, the role will involve covering "recruitment recommendations across the region, working in conjunction with a newly-appointed scout that will cover Africa" as well as working with new signings "to improve their experience and aid the settling in process and adaptation". So sort of a hybrid role between management, recruiting, and mentoring.

Olofinjana, whom we might remember from his playing days at Tony Pulis's Stoke City some 15 years ago, went into coaching with Wolverhampton Wanderers after retiring in 2014 and would fill roles in their academy and loan departments for several years. His most recent job was as sporting director for one season, 2021-22, at Grasshoppers Zurich in the Swiss Super League. He's also an executive director at local side Imperial FC in Lagos, Nigeria, where he's been credited with the discovery of Taiwo Awoniyi.

Here's to unearthing all the next best talent!

Excl: Seyi Olofinjana appointed to key talent ID role for Africa at Chelsea. Newly created position to promote & support emerging talent. Ex-Nigeria int, Wolves, Stoke mid most recently sporting director at Grasshoppers

Full details @TheAthleticFC #CFChttps://t.co/5csUkhTcwR

- Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) July 5, 2024

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