Chelsea’s teenage signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan flies out to Los Angeles for knee surgery

Chelsea’s new teenage signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan has suffered a blow after being forced to fly to the United States to have surgery on his knee. 

The 17-year-old enjoyed a special day last month when his £6million move from Southampton to Stamford Bridge was confirmed, but now he will have to deal with a setback after an injury was flagged up in his medical – according to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website. 

Morgan uploaded a picture of himself on board a plane and appeared to be in good spirits as he used a ‘peace’ emoji and the American flag as he sat in his seat before the start of take-off.

The youngster is set to travel to Los Angeles for his surgery, which will take place on Friday, Di Marzio’s site adds – with the player facing three months out after he goes under the knife.

After bringing Morgan to the club, Chelsea’s head of youth development and recruitment Jim Fraser was quick to praise his abilities and future prospects.

The 17-year-old uploaded a picture of himself boarding a plane with the American flag 

‘In signing Jimmy-Jay we have added a player with good potential to our Academy squads,’ he said.

‘His ability marks him out as an exciting striker and we are delighted he has chosen Chelsea for this next, important stage of his development.’

There was hope that Morgan would sign a fresh deal with Premier League strugglers Southampton, however the player was keen to get a deal done once it emerged Chelsea were interested.

Morgan had initially rejected a renewed contract offer from his former side, however Southampton quickly cashed-in once it became apparent the striker was keen to leave.

Morgan previously rejected a new contract at Premier League strugglers Southampton

The deal progressed quickly once Graham Potter’s side identified the fresh-faced 17-year-old as a potential target, with Morgan signing a long-term contact at the five-time Premier League champions.

He returns to London having previously been part of the club’s academy at a young age before deciding to make the move to St Mary’s where he was put through his most formative years.

Morgan trained with senior professionals and made the bench for first-team cup games at his previous club this season but failed to make his professional debut for Southampton.

He scored six goals and five assists in 13 appearances for the Saints’ youth team this season and will be hoping to return to that good run of form when he recovers.