Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo believes new signing Mario Pasalic has a big future at the club although the midfielder must go out on loan first.
The 19-year-old will have a medical next month before completing a £1.6million move from Hajduk Split, which was initially agreed in January.
Pasalic has been earmarked as a possible long-term replacement for veteran Frank Lampard and boasts an impressive record in the Croatian first division with 11 goals in 25 games this season.
Emenalo was in the stadium to see the midfielder score the winning goal against RNK Split last weekend and said: “Mario has grown at Hajduk. In the summer he has to go to a club where he will continue to evolve in order to one day play at Stamford Bridge.”
Pasalic’s agent Ivica Loncar has confirmed that a number of clubs across Europe have already enquired about taking his client on loan next season.
He said: “Mario would like to stay at Hajduk as long as possible but the contract is signed and we must respect the desire of the club. There is a chance [he will stay at Hajduk], but it is minimal.
“There are several interested clubs from Italy, Germany and Spain, and it is possible that the first two weeks of preparation activity will be with Chelsea. But the decision is Jose Mourinho’s.”
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