Chelsea struck gold selling PL star who Lampard thought was “exceptional”

Chelsea’s youth academy has long been a prolific source of talent, producing numerous players who have gone on to make significant contributions to the club’s first team.

 

Currently, Enzo Maresca’s squad features several academy graduates, including Reece James, a right-back whose career has been marred by recurring injuries over recent seasons. In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, James has managed just 241 minutes across four appearances before suffering yet another hamstring injury that sidelined him once again.

 

In contrast, centre-back Levi Colwill has emerged as a pivotal figure for Chelsea. Starting 14 out of the 15 matches played so far, he has played a key role in securing three clean sheets, demonstrating his value to the team. His strong performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him multiple England call-ups in recent months and significantly boosting his market value. If Colwill were ever to leave Stamford Bridge, his transfer fee could potentially set a new record for the club.

 

Significant Academy Departures

 

One of Chelsea’s most notable academy graduates, Conor Gallagher, played an integral role under Mauricio Pochettino last season. The central midfielder featured in all but one Premier League match, more than any other player in the squad. Despite his contributions, Gallagher did not fit into Maresca’s plans following his summer appointment, leading to the 24-year-old’s departure from his boyhood club.

 

Gallagher joined Atlético Madrid in a £34 million deal, with João Félix moving to Chelsea as part of the arrangement. This made Gallagher one of the highest-earning departures from the Cobham academy.

 

Similarly, left-back Ian Maatsen also exited Chelsea after Maresca’s arrival. The Dutch defender, who made just 15 senior appearances for the Blues, was sold to Aston Villa for £37.5 million. This move followed an impressive loan stint at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the team reach the Champions League final.

 

Despite the significant fees received for Gallagher and Maatsen, another academy graduate also left the club for a substantial amount, though he failed to make the impact he had hoped for after departing Chelsea.