Chelsea transfer chief fires cryptic message as possible Raheem Sterling replacement found

Chelsea transfer guru Joe Shields has posted a cryptic message online in the aftermath of a dramatic 4-2 FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues had to endure a chaotic second half largely brought about by their own mistakes as they progressed to the semis next month.

Shields was involved in the club's recruitment team during the signings of seven of the starting XI on Sunday against the Foxes as well as four of those on the bench. Perhaps the biggest success story of a new addition since his arrival, Cole Palmer, was central to the win.

Having come in from Southampton following a hugely impressive nine-year spell at the Manchester City academy — where he worked with Palmer and also Romeo Lavia, someone that he followed to Saints in 2022 — Shields has been a driver behind much of the business carried out by the club.

During what has been a turbulent time for incoming and outgoings, his role as co-director of recruitment has remained one of the unchanged pieces since even October 2022. Now, after some of those that he was involved in signing put in statement displays, he appears to be keen to show off their work.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Shields simply posted a black and white image of Carney Chukwuemeka celebrating his stoppage time winner alongside Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson, and Axel Disasi. Whilst Chukwuemeka was one of the few members of the squad signed before Shields moved — albeit by a matter of months — the other trio have all come in since.

They also represent some of the best value-for-money deals. Chukwuemeka's lack of game time so far this season has dented the hype around him but in just three starts across all competitions he still has two goals to his name. The