Samu Omorodion: Youngster compared to ex-Chelsea Premier League-winning striker

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez believes that Samuel Omorodion is of a similar profile to former Chelsea striker Diego Costa. 

The Blues have reportedly agreed to a deal of around €42m (£34.5m) with Atletico for the 20-year-old who is expected to sign a seven-year contract with the Blues with the option of an additional 12 months. 

Omorodion has played 35 LaLiga matches altogether in his embryonic career, notching nine goals after spending last season on loan at Alaves from the Spanish capital. 

Regardless of his inexperience, the Blues have splurged on the relatively unknown frontman, who remains eligible to represent Spain or Nigeria at international level, even if he prefers the European nation. 

Speaking on ESPN, Suarez, who played 183 times for Atletico Madrid, compared Omorodion to two-time Premier League champion Costa. 

“He looks a little bit like Diego Costa when he was young,” said the retired midfielder. “Very strong, running for the space, scoring goals. 

“I saw him last season at Alaves where he was on loan. He’s very strong physically. The problem is that he goes to a club like Chelsea where you have Nkunku, Nico Jackson and even Lukaku.

“Will he be a starter every single game? I dont’know. But I think he’s a really good player with a brilliant future. And that’s why the fans of Atletico were not really happy with his transfer.”

Chelsea begin their league campaign with a daunting match against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on August 18. Omorodion is not anticipated to participate having featured for Spain’s U23s at the Paris 2024 Olympics.