Chelsea have announced the departure of Richard Olise when his contract expires this summer, marking the end of a decade-long association with the club. The youngster, brother of France international Michael Olise, follows a similar path to his sibling, having failed to establish himself in Chelsea’s first-team plans. Michael Olise previously spent seven years in the Blues academy before moving to Manchester City and then Reading.
The departure of Olise is one of four academy exits confirmed by the club, with Brodi Hughes leaving after 13 years, Sam Rak-Sakyi, who has four first-team appearances to his name, also departing, alongside Finnish youth international Jimi Tauriainen. These exits come as incoming manager Xabi Alonso begins to shape his squad.
According to The Athletic, Alonso has identified seven current Chelsea players as “untouchables” and not for sale this summer. Those players are Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Josh Acheampong, Joao Pedro, Levi Colwill, Estevao, and Cole Palmer. This indicates the core around which Alonso intends to build his Chelsea team.
Notably, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are not included on Alonso’s list of untouchables, suggesting the club will consider offers for both players. Both Fernandez and Cucurella have been linked with potential moves away from Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers addressed speculation linking him with a transfer to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Rogers, a close friend of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, stated on The Rest is Football that he tries to use transfer rumours positively and focus on his game.
Further complicating potential returns for loanees, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson received a red card in a pre-World Cup friendly for Senegal against Saudi Arabia. Jackson has a history of disciplinary issues, and this latest incident casts doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge, despite Xabi Alonso being open to offering him a second chance. Competition for forward positions is expected to be high, and Jackson’s behaviour could prove costly.
