Thomas Tuchel outlines Cesare Casadei plan as Neil Bath's key Chelsea role in transfer revealed

Thomas Tuchel has given his verdict on Chelsea’s new signing Cesare Casadei and revealed Neil Bath’s key role in getting the signing over the line. 

The 19-year-old arrived on a six-year contract last week from Inter Milan after an initial £12.6 million fee was agreed with the Serie A.

He became Chelsea’s sixth summer signing, including a third for the future following the acquisitions of Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka. 

Casadei will spend time with the Development Squad during the 2022/23 season but will get his opportunities with the first team and Tuchel. 

Following Chelsea’s defeat against Leeds United which sees them prepare for a home clash against Leicester City in the Premier League, Tuchel was asked about the Italian youngster.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, Tuchel said: “We need to give him time and not to get over excited because I think we would not do him a favour. He’s a box-to-box midfielder, very strong with the head, very physical for his age. 

“But at the moment, it’s important he learns the language, he learns what Chelsea is all about and understands the culture and principles to live and play for Chelsea.

"Then we will try to bring him to first team training and open the doors for him.

"Then in the end, he needs to step through himself. 

Co-owner and chairman, as well as interim sporting director, Todd Boehly has backed the future of the club since arriving at the end of May and has invested heavily in bolstering the academy with talent. 

He is aided by Neil Bath, Head of Youth Development, who has played a key role in identifying talent which the club has clearly listened to and acted on. 

Tuchel says the club has no reason not to support Bath’s judgement of players, adding: “The academy had reason for it and made a strong point that they wish for reinforcements.

"We do nothing but trust Neil Bath because why wouldn’t we?

"He’s one of top leaders of academies in Europe, so if he says so we do nothing else but follow his advice and support him because we want to have a strong academy and want to have players who make it to the first team because this is the mix that makes Chelsea special.

"This is what we want.”

Bath was extremely complimentary of Casadei’s arrival last week, adding: “Cesare is a player we have tracked for some time and we are delighted that he has now agreed to join Chelsea, where he will initially strengthen our Under-21s squad. 

“He is another exciting emerging talent who we are looking forward to seeing develop and progress further as he breaks into senior football in the coming years.”