Chelsea Releases Four Academy Players, Including Sam Rak-Sakyi

Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi is among four academy players set to leave Stamford Bridge at the conclusion of June.

As head coach Xabi Alonso evaluates potential additions to his first-team squad, the club is also making critical decisions regarding its homegrown talent.

During his tenure under Enzo Maresca, Rak-Sakyi made four appearances, suggesting he had the potential to compete for a spot in the senior squad.

The 21-year-old central midfielder played 86 minutes in a 3-1 win against FC Astana in the Conference League in December 2024 and made three additional substitute appearances.

Although Rak-Sakyi was an unused substitute in both quarter-final matches against Legia Warsaw, he managed only 12 appearances for the Under-21s during the 2025-26 season.

© Imago / Sports Press Photo.

Chelsea Confirms Departures of Four Players

Another player with first-team experience, Jimi Tauriainen, will also be leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

Under Mauricio Pochettino during the 2023-24 season, Tauriainen made an appearance as an 89th-minute substitute against Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round and similarly came on late during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur in May.

This match also marked the senior debut of Josh Acheampong for Chelsea.

Additionally, Richard Olise, brother of Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, will be departing after making 58 appearances across the Under-18s, Under-19s, and Under-21s teams.

Brodi Hughes will also exit Chelsea after his two outings during the 2025-26 season were with AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy. A former England Under-18 international, Hughes recorded four goals and eight assists over 87 matches for Chelsea’s Under-21 squad.

> Click here to vote on which Chelsea players you would retain or sell as Alonso begins his tenure.