Norwich City will not bank a Premier League windfall from former academy prospect Alex Matos' Chelsea league debut.
Matos, who turned 19 on Tuesday, replaced Chelsea's new £115m midfielder Moises Caicedo for the final minutes of the Blues' 2-0 Premier League win at neighbours Fulham on Monday night.
The teenager, who originally followed the likes of Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis from Luton's academy to join the Canaries at under-12s level, linked up with Chelsea in the summer.
No payment for a Premier League substitute appearance is due, as part of the agreement between the clubs regarding Matos’ Stamford Bridge switch. But City have negotiated a sell on fee in the original deal.
The England youth international signed his first professional contract with the Canaries in October 2021, amid reported interest from Chelsea and a host of other Premier League clubs, just months after starting a two-year scholarship.
But Matos completed his move to the big-spending Londoners in June of this year, after his City deal officially expired.
Aarons, Jon Rowe and Abu Kamara were among some of his former team mates to congratulate the 19-year-old on his Premier League bow.
The highly-rated youngster finished on the same side as Raheem Sterling, Thiago Silva and Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez at Craven Cottage.
Matos was originally earmarked as another promising addition to the Blues' development set up when he left Norfolk, but would appear to have now caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino.
The 19-year-old had made five Premier League Two appearances for the Blues, prior to his top flight debut.
"It was tough to settle in at first as you come here with big expectations and then you have to perform instantly with so many good players around you," he said earlier this week, speaking to Chelsea's official site.
"Nevertheless, I always believe in myself and my ability. The number one thing that continues to drive me is that I love to work hard. Anyone that knows me will tell you that is what I love to do.
"I am happy that I am getting recognised for my hard work. The work does not stop there though as this is only the beginning. One thing you notice about the first team is their minds are sharp and they have great mentalities."
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