Jefferson Abreu wings in as Chester see major potential in signing number seven

The Blues have added the Northwich Victoria winger on an initial one-year deal

Jefferson Abreu signs his deal (CHARLIE STOCKTON)

Chester have completed the signing of young winger Jefferson Abreu on an initial one-year deal.

Abreu, 21, arrives at the newly-named Deva Community Stadium from Cheshire neighbours Northwich Victoria, having earned his move on the back of a standout campaign for the Vics in the Midland Football League, where they finished the season second behind Hanley Town.

Abreu, who has had spells at Colne, Longridge Town and Garstang, came through the academy at Macclesfield and has been given the opportunity by Blues boss Phil Parkinson after a season where he netted 20 goals in 39 games from the wing, and picked up the Midland Football League Player of the Year accolade, as well as the Vics’ own Manager’s Player of the Year.

Said the Chester manager: “At just 21 years of age, Jefferson is one of the brightest young talents emerging from the lower divisions and he’s exactly the type of prospect we love to identify and develop.

“After scoring 20 goals in 39 appearances for Northwich Victoria last season, he has earned the opportunity to test himself at the next level.

“His performances last season were recognised across the division. He finished as Northwich Victoria’s top scorer, was voted the club’s Manager’s Player of the Season, and capped off an outstanding campaign by being named Midland League Player of the Year. Those accolades tell you a lot about the impact he had and the regard he’s held in by those who have watched and worked with him closely.

“Jefferson is a player with real attacking quality. He’s excellent in 1v1 situations, clinical in front of goal, and possesses the pace, power and athleticism to really frighten opposition defenders. He’s the type of player who can create something out of nothing, stretch defences, score goals, and get supporters off their seats.

“What excites me most is that there is still so much development ahead of him. At 21, he’s still got enormous potential and plenty of room to grow. He’s hungry, ambitious and determined to improve, and I believe our environment will help him continue that journey.

“We want to be a club that identifies top prospects before everyone else does, helps them develop, and gives them a platform to showcase their abilities. Jefferson fits that profile perfectly and is another player who embodies the young, hungry and ambitious culture we’re building here at Chester.”

Abreu becomes the seventh signing of the summer for Parkinson’s side, following the acquisitions of Luke Hewitson, Jacob Hazel, George Burroughs, Sam Reed, Kofi Moore and Dominic McHale, with another three additions secured and to be announced in due course. Two central defenders and an attacking midfielder with National League and EFL experience are on the agenda.

“It’s a club that I’ve been looking at for a while, I feel ready to push myself forward,” said Abreu.

“The gaffer made his intentions clear that I was a player he wanted early on. I’m an exciting winger that can be horrible to defend against and I’m ready to score some goals and help the team.”