Chelsea Confirm Four Player Exits Ahead of Major Squad Reshuffle

(chelsea logo. Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chelsea have confirmed that four players will depart the club when their contracts expire on June 30, 2026, following the release of the club’s retained and released list at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Defender Brodi Hughes is among those leaving, bringing to an end a 13-year association with the club. Hughes joined Chelsea as an Under-8 and progressed through the ranks at Cobham, spending the previous season on loan at League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Richard Olise also departs after a decade with the club. He joined as an Under-9 and featured across several youth levels, earning a place in the first-team squad for the UEFA Conference League trip to Astana during the 2024/25 season.

Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi will likewise leave after making four first-team appearances. He joined the Academy at age eight, rose through the youth system, and represented England at youth level.

He made his debut in the UEFA Conference League against Noah during the 2024/25 season and went on to feature three more times in the competition.

Jimi Tauriainen is the fourth player to exit. He joined Chelsea in 2020 and was previously named among the first-team substitutes for the 2024 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

He later made his first-team debut in an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds United before also earning his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

Striker Ronnie Stutter will, however, remain at the club on a month-to-month contract.

Chelsea thanked all departing players for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavours.