Kazakh Youth Footballer to Sign with Chelsea FC in 2026
16-Year-Old Kazakhstan Forward Dastan Satpayev Set to Join Chelsea FC in 2026
Dastan Satpayev, a promising 16-year-old forward from the Kairat football team in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is expected to join London's Chelsea Football Club in the summer of 2026. The transfer agreement was announced on January 21, with a reported fee of around €4 million[1].
Satpayev has been a regular performer in the Kazakhstan Premier League since making his senior team debut in May 2024. Despite his youth, he has already made a name for himself, scoring in competitions such as the UEFA Youth League and the Kazakhstan League[1].
Chelsea has been actively involved in supporting his growth, with a coach working personally with him to prepare him for his eventual arrival at the club in 2026[4]. The English club has plans for a gradual integration, with some reports suggesting that after joining Chelsea, Satpayev might have a loan spell or further development at a club like Strasbourg before becoming a regular at Chelsea[3].
The Kazakh media has compared Satpayev to Kylian Mbappé due to his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability, highlighting his potential as a future star[1][3].
It's important to note that Satpayev will remain with Kairat until he turns 18. The specifics of the transfer, including the transfer fee and contract details, have not been disclosed[2]. An official announcement about the transfer is expected this week[1].
Satpayev plays for the Kairat football team in Almaty and is also a member of the Kazakhstan youth team. The news about his transfer to Chelsea FC was reported by Tengri Sport on Jan. 21, and the report was also published by sports.kz[1].
While the financial details of the transfer have not been made public, it's clear that Chelsea FC sees potential in Satpayev and is investing in his development. As the 2026 transfer date approaches, fans of both Kairat and Chelsea FC will be eager to see how Satpayev's career unfolds.
[1] Tengri Sport. (2025, January 21). Dastan Satpayev to join Chelsea FC in 2026. Retrieved from https://tengrisport.kz/en/news/dastan-satpayev-to-join-chelsea-fc-in-2026
[2] sports.kz. (2025, January 21). Dastan Satpayev: Chelsea FC to sign Kairat forward in 2026. Retrieved from https://sport.kz/en/news/chelsea-fc-to-sign-kairat-forward-dastan-satpayev-in-2026
[3] Goal.com. (2025, February 1). Chelsea FC's plans for Dastan Satpayev revealed. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-fc-s-plans-for-dastan-satpayev-revealed/bltca318c25c576b8e4
[4] The Guardian. (2025, February 15). Chelsea FC's Dastan Satpayev: The next Kylian Mbappé? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/15/chelsea-fc-s-dastan-satpayev-the-next-kylian-mbappe
Satpayev, currently a member of the Kazakhstan Premier League, has shown his potential in competitions such as the UEFA Youth League and the Kazakhstan League. In 2026, he is expected to join the European-leagues, specifically the Premier League, with Chelsea FC announcing his transfer from Kairat football team.
Over the years, Satpayev has been compared to Kylian Mbappé due to his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability, highlighting his potential as a future star in European football, particularly in the Premier League.
