Chelsea confirm exit of four players

Chelsea have confirmed that four players will leave the club when their contracts expire on 30 June, as part of an end-of-season squad reshuffle.

The Premier League club announced the departures ofseveral academy graduates including Brodi Hughes, Richard Olise, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Tauriainen, while striker Ronnie Stutter will remain on a month-to-month deal.

The move continues Chelsea’s ongoing review of its development pathway, with several long-serving academy players exiting after years at Cobham.

Academy graduates end long spells at cobham

Brodi Hughes departs after 13 years at Chelsea, having joined the academy as an Under-8. The defender progressed through all youth levels and spent last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League One to gain senior experience.

Richard Olise also leaves after a decade at the club. Signed as an Under-9, he featured across multiple youth levels and was included in the senior squad for a UEFA Conference League trip to Astana during the 2024/25 campaign.

Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi exits after making four senior appearances.

He joined Chelsea at age eight, progressed through the academy system, and earned opportunities in European competition, including a debut against Noah in the UEFA Conference League.

First-team exposure for tauriainen

Jimi Tauriainen’s departure brings an end to a five-year spell at Stamford Bridge. The Finnish youth international was previously named on the bench for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in 2024 and later made his senior debut in the FA Cup against Leeds United.

He also featured in the Premier League, coming on against Tottenham Hotspur later that season, marking his breakthrough into senior football before his exit.

Chelsea thanked all departing players in an official statement, saying: “We thank all our departing players for their contributions during their time at the Blues and wish them well for the next chapter in their careers.”