Chelsea have confirmed that four academy players will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of June, bringing an end to their long associations with Stamford Bridge.
The departures were announced as part of the club’s retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign.
The players set to leave are Brodi Hughes, Richard Olise, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Tauraiainen, all of whom progressed through Chelsea‘s academy system and represented the club at various youth levels.
End of long Chelsea journeys
Defender Brodi Hughes departs after spending 13 years with the Blues. Having joined the academy as an Under-8 player, Hughes worked his way through the ranks and gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon last season.
Richard Olise is also moving on after more than a decade at the club. The younger brother of France international and Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, Richard joined Chelsea as an Under-9 and featured throughout the academy age groups.
He was named in Chelsea’s first-team squad for a UEFA Conference League trip to Astana during the 2024/25 season, although he did not make a competitive senior appearance.
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Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi leaves after making four senior appearances for Chelsea, all of which came during the club’s Conference League campaign.
The 21-year-old was highly regarded within the academy setup but now faces the next stage of his career away from west London.
Finnish youth international Jimi Tauraiainen is the fourth player to depart. The midfielder earned first-team opportunities in domestic competitions and was another academy graduate hoping to establish himself in Chelsea’s senior squad.
While the four departing players were unable to secure long-term futures at Stamford Bridge, each leaves with valuable experience gained from one of English football’s most successful youth systems.
“We thank all our departing players for their contributions during their time with the Blues and wish them well for the next chapter in their careers,” said Chelsea in a club statement.
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