Branislav Ivanović Replacement? Chelsea Signs High Rated Defender

Chelsea have moved ahead of the likes of Ajax and Arsenal to sign Romanian teenage sensation, Cristian Manea from Viitorul Constanta. Manea who is just 17 is said to have a bright future in the professional game, hence the blues splashed about £2.3 million on him.

Manea has developed quickly under the guidance of first team coach and former Romania captain Gheorghe Hagi, is expected to have signed what should be a 5 year deal, the blues are expected to loan him out immediately to either Dutch side, Vitesse, who Chelsea have a standing partnership with, or Spanish side Real Mallorca, to enable the young Romanian gain experience as well as playing time.

Although an unknown quantity, Manea is expected to develop into a world class talent and one day hold the right full back position for the Chelsea first team, something so many young defenders have been unable to do. We would recall a certain Brazilian, Wallace who Chelsea signed in 2012, but since then, the young right back only managed to play for the blues during their pre-season tour of America, and subsequently was loaned to Inter Milan in Italy and frustrated with lack of playing time, returned to Chelsea and has been again loaned to Dutch side, Vitesse.

Branislav Ivanovic has been the undisputed king of the right back spot at the bridge for many years, and even the presence of Spanish right back, Casera Azpilicueta has been unable to displace the Serbian International, rather, Azpilicueta has found a home in the left full back position, which fast tracked the exit of former England international, Ashley Cole, who was allowed to leave the club for free to join Roma in Italy.

At a time when the blues are turning their attention to youth rather than all finished articles, it is important for Cristian Manea to know what is up against, because many talented young players would tell you, it is not enough to just be a talent at Chelsea, without hard work, there would be no further for you at the Bridge, because only the best make it into the Chelsea team.