WATCH: This is why Chelsea have signed Caleb Wiley.

 On Monday, Chelsea announced the signing of American left-back Caleb Wiley. The 19-year-old joins on a six-year contract from MLS outfit Atlanta United having come through the academy system.

The deal was announced just before the Blues got the USA leg of pre-season underway. Enzo Maresca's side play Wrexham in their first match of the summer on July 25.

Unlike those before him, Wiley will not be immediately available for Maresca as he prepares to play a role at the Olympic Games in Paris. He will be turning out for US Men's Soccer Team in France.

Caleb Wiley: What can Chelsea expect from the Atlanta United star? 

What can Chelsea fans expect from Caleb Wiley? Wiley might be the most talented wing-back to emerge from MLS since Alphonso Davies. A quick and agile left-back, Wiley scored an impressive three goals and two assists in his first four games to kick off the 2023 season. That productivity slowed down significantly during the second half of the 2023 season, and continuing into this season, Wiley has struggled to get numbers on the scoreboard. This season, Wiley has managed one goal and two assists in 23 games across all competitions. 

Two factors need to be kept in mind, however. First, Wiley is still a very young player and although compared to Davies, is a bit more defensive-minded and more direct in his play. Second, Atlanta United have had a difficult start to the season and the turnover in players hasn’t helped either. Still, Wiley has impressed enough to be nominated to the US men’s national team that will play at the Paris Olympic Games this summer. Following that tournament, Wiley will likely remain in France to continue his development and hopefully long-term become a player for Chelsea’s starting XI.

The clip below shows just why Chelsea have signed Caleb Wiley: