Forgotten Chelsea wonderkid whose move landed Blues with transfer ban set to continue career in IRAN at 33

FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Gael Kakuta is set to become football’s new Prince of Persia … by joining a club in IRAN.

The Blues landed a fine and transfer ban when signing the French-born winger from Lens in 2007.

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Gael Kakuta of DR Congo during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations[/caption]

Once dubbed the most gifted player of his generation, he spent eight years at Stamford Bridge.

Kakuta, 33, also had loan spells with Fulham and Bolton.

The DR Congo international is under contract with French Ligue 2 side Amiens until 2026.

But Kakuta is now reportedly poised to sign a two-year deal with top Iranian club Esteghlal.

They have opened talks with the Lille-born ace, and he is thought keen to swap his third spell with modest Amiens for a move to Tehran.

Football is hugely popular in Iran, with the national team regularly qualifying for World Cup finals.

Esteghlal finished runners-up in the Persian Pro League last season, and have been national champions nine times.

Nicknamed the Blue Boys, they play at the 78,000-capacity Azadi Stadium.

Graham Hughes – The Times

Kakuta made 16 senior Chelsea appearances[/caption]

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Esteghal would be the THIRTEENTH different club of Kakuta’s nomadic career.

The 73-cap France youth international has played in Holland, Italy, Spain and China as well as his birth country and England.

He made 16 senior Chelsea appearances, and also played handfuls of top-flight games for Fulham and Bolton.