Chelsea look to re-sign former youth player

Chelsea are weighing up a transfer move for West London rivals' defender Ibane Bowat, who spent last season on loan at TSV Hartberg and the season prior to that with Dutch club Den Bosch. The 21-year-old Scottish under-21 international impressed during his short spell in Austria, and it is rumoured that the Blues are now considering a £5 million transfer offer for the Kingston upon Thames-born centre-back.

Bowat spent six years playing for Chelsea as a youth player, before transferring to Fulham in 2018 and spending four years with the Cottagers' youth side. In 2022, Ibane was finally called up to Fulham's first-team squad, but later was sent on loan to FC Den Bosch in January of 2023. The Dutch side opted not to purchase the centre-back, and he then returned to London. A spell with Austrian Bundesliga club Hartberg followed, and Bowat showed some of his potential during his temporary spell there.

Chelsea are now ready to re-sign the player, and are hopeful a deal can be agreed before the transfer window closes. It is understood that manager Enzo Maresca is looking for defensive reinforcement and in particular, in the centre of defence. Bowat would present a value for money acquisition.