Chelsea have confirmed that four players will leave the club when their contracts expire on June 30, as part of a reshuffle at the end of the season.
The Premier League club have announced the departure of several academy graduates, including Brodie Hughes, Richard Olise, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Tauriainen, while striker Ronnie Stutter will remain on a one-month deal.
The move continues Chelsea’s ongoing review of his development path, with several long-standing academy players leaving after years at Cobham.
Academy graduates end long spells at Cobham
Brody Hughes is leaving after 13 years at Chelsea, joining the academy as an under-8 player. The defender has progressed through all youth levels and spent last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League One to gain senior experience.
Richard Olise is also leaving after a decade at the club. Signed as an under-9, he featured for multiple youth levels and was included in the senior squad for the trip to Astana in the UEFA Conference League during the 2024/25 campaign.
Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi leaves after four senior appearances.
He joined Chelsea at the age of eight, progressed through the academy system and received opportunities in European competitions, including a debut against Noah in the UEFA Conference League.
Presentation of the first team for tauriainen
Jimi Tauriainen’s departure ended his five-year stay at Stamford Bridge. The Finnish youth international was previously named on the bench for the 2024 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and later made his FA Cup debut 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 departure.
Chelsea thanked all the departing players in an official statement, saying: “We thank all our departing players for their contribution during their time at the Blues and wish them all the best in the next chapter of their careers.”
