According to Team Talk, Tottenham have secured the signing of ex-Chelsea youth star George Jobling following his exit from Cobham. Spurs handed the highly-rated ex-Chelsea prodigy a trial and have now offered terms following a successful spell.
Jobling is 16 and has been with Chelsea’s youth set-up for around four years, playing this season for their Under-16s and Under-17s. Chelsea chose not to offer him a scholarship contract, and Spurs invited him in on trial before deciding to take him. The plan is for him to slot into Tottenham’s Under-18 group and, if things go well, sign professional terms when he turns 17.
More and more top-flight clubs are taking their chances with youth products, especially those from other academies. Given how strong Chelsea’s academy has been over the last decade or so, it was probably common sense for Tottenham to place their bets on Jobling. Being a homegrown star is one thing, but the right-back has been playing at a decent level for his age, while showing ample signs of progress in his development.
A young full-back is a useful project because the modern role asks for so much: defending one-on-one, covering space, and offering energy going forward. If Jobling adapts quickly, he becomes another option in a pathway that already values young talent. If not, then there’s some hope for Spurs that Jobling would have developed into a decent level, which could see them ship the player out for a modest profit.
There will be questions on why Chelsea discarded the young right-back, especially when he has been playing at a decent level and even captained them in the category he was playing at. The reasons for their decision not to offer scholarship terms remain under wraps, but at the moment, Spurs seemingly see this as an opportunity for the future.
Youth plans aside, Tottenham have some real problems ahead to finish their season on a high note. Spurs are currently facing a real threat of battling in the relegation zone, as only five points separate them from 18th-placed West Ham United.
They have some quality players on board that may help them see out the season without being dropped down to the second division. However, there are doubts creeping in owing to their tough fixture list in the games that remain, starting with a home clash with Arsenal in the north London Derby at the weekend.
