Chelsea sign free agent who claimed he'd discovered his release after social media post

Chelsea have snapped up England youth international Kian Best for their development squad. Best, 19, is a free agent after leaving Preston North End at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

The talented left-back has represented his country at under-19 level, where he has won seven caps. Mirror Football understands Best has completed a medical and put pen to paper on a deal with the Blues.

The Preston-born star made headlines in May when he claimed that he'd only found out about being released from his hometown club via their social media platforms. Best had been sent out on loan to Irish club Bohemians until June.

His contract at Deepdale was due to expire this summer and the Lancashire club posted: "We'd like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future," alongside a slideshow of those who were leaving. "Thank you, Besty," Preston added as the caption on his image.

In response, the 19-year-old wrote: "Good way to find out through Instagram." Best later appeared to delete the post and CEO Peter Ridsdale later denied that Best only learned his fate on social media.

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In a subsequent post, Best thanked PNE by saying: "Thank you to everyone at @pnefcofficial for the past 12 years. From joining at 7 to making my debut 10 years later it’s been some journey. Being a Preston lad I would have loved for it to continue but that’s football.

"Thank you to all the players and staff that helped me on the way. Lastly, I am grateful to the fans for the support. I'll always be one of your own. UTW."

The defender was linked with Fulham after his breakthrough at Preston while Saudi Pro Leagueside Al-Ettifaq reportedly had an approach turned down last summer. Best won the club's Young Player of the Year award in the 2023-24 season but only made two appearances under new manager Paul Heckingbottom, both as a substitute in the Carabao Cup against Harrogate Town and Arsenal.

Who else should Chelsea sign this summer? Let us know your picks in the comments section.

Best's arrival at Stamford Bridge follows the £60million signing of Brighton forward Joao Pedro which was announced on Wednesday afternoon. The Brazilian will be eligible to play for the Blues at the Club World Cup, as a registration period is open from June 27 and July 3.

Chelsea have had to be more patient with Jamie Gittens, though. Despite reportedly agreeing a £55m deal to sign the winger from Borussia Dortmund, the German side have also reached the quarter-final stage and want Gittens, 22, available for selection.

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