Chelsea’s youth academy has consistently produced a wealth of talent, with many graduates going on to make valuable contributions to the first team.
Currently, under Enzo Maresca, the squad includes several academy products, such as Reece James, a right-back whose career has been plagued by recurring injuries in recent seasons. During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, James played only 241 minutes across four matches before another hamstring injury sidelined him.
In contrast, centre-back Levi Colwill has become a key figure for Chelsea, starting 14 out of 15 games so far. His performances have helped secure three clean sheets, highlighting his importance to the team. Colwill’s strong form has earned him several England call-ups and significantly raised his market value. Should he leave Stamford Bridge, his transfer fee could potentially set a new club record.
Notable Academy Departures
Conor Gallagher, another prominent academy graduate, played a crucial role under Mauricio Pochettino last season, featuring in all but one Premier League match. However, under Maresca’s management, Gallagher was not part of the plan, leading to his departure. The 24-year-old moved to Atlético Madrid in a £34 million deal, with João Félix coming to Chelsea as part of the exchange, making Gallagher one of the academy’s highest-earning departures.
Similarly, left-back Ian Maatsen left the club after Maresca’s arrival. The Dutch defender, who had made only 15 appearances for Chelsea, was sold to Aston Villa for £37.5 million, following a successful loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the team reach the Champions League final.
While Chelsea received significant fees for Gallagher and Maatsen, another academy graduate also left the club for a considerable amount but did not achieve the expected impact after his departure.
