Chelsea release four academy players as Xabi Alonso era takes shape

Chelsea have confirmed four academy players will depart Stamford Bridge at the end of June, with the club’s retained list — released on Wednesday — representing the first formal squad decisions ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival as head coach.

Jimi Tauriainen, Sam Rak-Sakyi, Richard Olise and Brodi Hughes will all leave when their contracts expire on June 30. None of the four will be part of Chelsea’s plans under Alonso.

Tauriainen joined Chelsea in 2020 and made his first-team debut in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds United in 2024, adding a brief substitute appearance in the Premier League against Tottenham. Despite those senior outings, the club has opted against offering the Finnish youngster a new deal.

Rak-Sakyi, who has been part of Chelsea’s academy since the age of eight, made four appearances for the senior side and contributed to the club’s Conference League triumph under Enzo Maresca in the 2024/25 season. He departs as one of the more experienced of the four in terms of first-team exposure.

Richard Olise — younger brother of Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, himself a former Chelsea academy prospect — leaves after more than a decade at Cobham without having made a senior appearance for the club. Hughes also exits without featuring for the first team.

One academy player who will stay is striker Ronnie Stutter, whom Chelsea have placed on a month-to-month contract.

In the club’s official statement, Chelsea said: “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.”

The departures come as Alonso prepares to take charge at Stamford Bridge this summer. On his appointment, the Spaniard said: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”

Alonso added: “There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”