George Jobling: Tottenham Sign England Youth Captain Following Chelsea Exit

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of former Chelsea academy defender George Jobling after a successful trial period with the club.

The 16-year-old right-back, who has represented Chelsea at Under-16 and Under-17 levels this season, was released by the west London side after not being offered a scholarship agreement. As a result, Chelsea will not receive a compensation fee for the promising defender.

Jobling, an England youth international, is set to link up with Tottenham’s Under-18 squad and is expected to sign his first professional contract upon turning 17 later this year.

He recently featured for Spurs’ Under-16 side in a Premier League Cup fixture against Manchester City earlier this month. However, he will primarily be involved with Jamie Carr’s Under-18 team, who have recorded 10 victories from 24 league matches so far this campaign.

Jobling is also anticipated to serve as Tottenham’s sole representative in the forthcoming England Under-16 fixtures, with the national side scheduled to face Denmark, Spain and France this week.

Academy Reinforcements Continue

Tottenham have strengthened their academy ranks in recent weeks, adding several new arrivals. Elisha Sowunmi joined the club’s Under-21 side in January after opting not to sign a new contract with West Ham United, while James Wilson arrived on loan from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Deadline Day, with Spurs reportedly fending off competition from Arsenal to secure his services.

The development pathway from academy to first team has been a key issue among supporters in recent seasons, particularly amid concerns that opportunities for homegrown talent were limited under former first-team manager Thomas Frank.

However, under interim head coach Igor Tudor, there is renewed expectation that young players will be afforded greater opportunities to impress. Wilson was recently pictured training with the senior squad ahead of this weekend’s North London derby, signalling a potential shift in approach.

Tottenham’s capture of Jobling further underlines the club’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent as they continue to reshape their academy structure.