A Premier League club has already secured the signature of promising FC Kairat star Dastan Satpayev.
On Tuesday night, Real Madrid resumed their 2025/26 Champions League with a trip to Kazahstan to face FC Kairat in the Ortalyq stadion in Pavlodar.
The historic match is the first time that the two clubs have faced each other after FC Kairat secured a spot in their first Champions League after winning the Kazakhstan top flight in 2024.
Although it didn’t take long for the La Liga giants to take the lead in the match, thanks to a penalty from Kylian Mbappe, it was FC Kairat star Satpayev that impressed the most in the first half.
But one Premier League side was already aware of the promising talents of the youngster as they have already secured a deal to sign him next year.
Dastan Satpayev made his Champions League debut against Sporting. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Throughout the first half of what is only Kairat’s second Champions League appearance, young forward Satpayev captured the attention of fans with a impressive display.
Although Kairat fans will have to ensure they make the most of Satpayev this season, as the 17-year-old will join Chelsea next summer after the Premier League side secured a deal to sign the forward back in February.
Due to post-Brexit rules, Satpayev won’t be able to arrive in the UK and formally join Chelsea until his 18th birthday in August next year.
And it appears that Chelsea may have unearthed a gem before anyone else noticed, with teammate Luis Mata explaining just how good Satpayev is during a recent interview with Spanish outlet Marca.
“He’s only 17 years old, but he’s fast, strong, and finishes very well with both feet. He has tremendous potential, which is why Chelsea signed him,” he said.
“He’ll probably go out on loan to gain experience, like in this Champions League. I see him with great potential, although football isn’t just about that. The psychological aspect is also very important, and I think he has that, too. Hopefully, he can help us against Real Madrid.”
Satpayev has even been compared to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. (Image: Zed Jameson/MB Media/Getty Images)
Satpayev labelled as the ‘Kazakh Lamine Yamal’
The future Chelsea star has even been compared to Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with Spanish defender Jose Carrillo, who currently plays for Kazakhstan side FC Ulytau praising Satpayev in an interview with a recent edition of AS.
“The one most talked about is Satpayev. He’s a 17-year-old who excites the entire country because he’s like their great international ambassador,” Carrillo explained.
“In terms of age, talent, and position, he could be the Kazakh Lamine Yamal, although he’s right footed and often plays as a playmaker in addition to playing on the wing. A great player.”
