Credit: Tung Manh Phan, Breaking Media

Max Wilkins

Wed 6 May 2026 7:40, UK

Chelsea have emerged as a competitor to Leeds United in the hunt to sign Jhon Solis.

The defensive midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan in the Championship with Birmingham City after joining in January.

There have been generally positive reviews surrounding the Colombian at St Andrew’s despite their underwhelming 10th-place finish.

His future now remains a talking point moving into the summer as interest continues to build over his signature.

Leeds have been linked to Solis, but now face fresh Premier League competition to complete a deal in the coming weeks and months.

Chelsea enter Jhon Solis transfer race

The 21-year-old is certainly causing a stir right now after spending five months in England since his winter switch to the Championship.

It is clear that his performances have caught the eye, with his defensive qualities being a clear plus point to his game in the second tier.

That has seen Leeds showcase reported interest in his signature as they eye reinforcements ahead of, hopefully, another season of Premier League action.

It won’t be a straight road to sign the Girona man with Birmingham City, holding an obligation to buy him for £6.9million as part of his loan agreement.

Reports have now emerged from Colombia that Chelsea have joined the race and are seen as the “main competitor” to secure a permanent deal for the midfielder.

Leeds continue to be linked with Solis moving into the summer, but now face stern competition to complete a deal once the window opens.

Solis’ family have already reacted to Leeds United links

It was originally a surprise to see the Birmingham loanee linked with a move to Elland Road in April, with time to spare until the end of the campaign.

A post was originally shared by Transfermarkt in Colombia that suggested that both Leeds and Brentford were interested in Solis.

A surprise rumour was noticed in LS11 and beyond, with the midfielder’s sister taking to Instagram to respond to the post.

Two head-shaking emojis were posted to her story alongside the transfer rumour, as the reason for the post becomes slightly confused.

It is hard to tell the true intention of the post, although it would be interesting to know what is made of these new links to Chelsea.