Samuel Iling-Junior: Things to know

Chelsea's well-respected academy program is famously known for its ability to produce some of the best talents around and Samuel Iling-Junior is no different.

When Iling-Junior was promoted to the west London club's Under-19s squad at just 16, you knew there was a player there just bubbling with talent. But with a sharp eye on former teammate Jamal Musiala's success at Bayern Munich, the England youth international was keen to try his hand playing overseas.

Though his initial period in Italy was spent with Juventus' reserve side, a string of impressive performances has seen him enter senior proceedings, and his goal against Atalanta made him the first Englishman since David Platt to score for the Bianconeri.

Here's all you need to know about the Italian giants' young and exciting winger.

Career so far

Between 2011 and 2020, Iling-Junior spent his years being nurtured at Chelsea's Cobham academy. He eventually opted to move away which has proven to be a great decision.

Previously in the same cohort as Armando Broja and co at Chelsea, he joined Juventus Next Gen - Juve's reserve team - on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 and a combined return of 17 goals and assists saw him swiftly graduate into their senior squad.

The former Chelsea starlet made his Serie A debut against Empoli back in October and featured in the Champions League just four days later as he assisted Arkadiusz Milik in their 4-3 defeat to Portuguese club Benfica.

High praise from Juventus hero Alessandro Del Piero

Islington-born Iling-Junior has been praised by a certified Juve legend; Alessandro Del Piero.

In the club's 4-3 defeat to Benfica, the 19-year-old replaced Filip Kostic 20 minutes shy of the final whistle and was introduced alongside fellow youngster Matias Soule.

Del Piero said: "I believe that these 20 minutes and the courageous changes made by Allegri gave some hope for the future."

Chelsea's academy has built up a reputation over the years for being one of the world leaders in terms of talent development and this shower of praise from Juventus club legend Del Piero attests to that.

Interest from Europe's top clubs

While inquiring for the youngster's services, the Bianconeri had to contend with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but the Englishman decided to join the Old Lady.

Aston Villa are keen to see him return to England's top flight, but this time in claret and blue under Unai Emery's tutelage.

90min understands there is a host of Premier League clubs interested in a summer move for Iling-Junior, with Manchester City, Newcastle and previous side Chelsea all keeping tabs on the situation.

Read the latest Juventus news here

Success at international level

Iling-Junior was part of the England Under-19s squad that won the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He was also part of the Under-17 Syrenka Cup-winning outfit three years prior to their latest cup win.

Though he is of DR Congolese descent, he made the early decision to represent England at international level. His latest cameo came for the England Under-20 set-up, when he scored a brace in England's 2-0 win against Germany.