Five academy kids Chelsea could turn to including 'next John Terry' with club banned from transfers and new contracts
Michael Hansen
Published Aug 28, 2026
CHELSEA could turn to no less than FIVE academy kids - including the ‘next John Terry’ and a Cristiano Ronaldo devotee - after being banned from transfers.
The Blues are unable to make new signings this summer after owner Roman Abramovich was hit by UK sanctions.
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Chelsea also face an exodus of free transfers, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta unable to have their contracts renewed.
But Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy has never let them down in the past.
Indeed, a transfer ban in 2019 saw the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James become Stamford Bridge superstars.
And ‘La Cobham’ has plenty of new young talents ready to seize the day...
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ALFIE GILCHRIST - DEFENDER
A centre-back by trade, the talented 18-year-old has been hailed as the ‘next John Terry’ by Chelsea scout Sean Conlon.
The club’s 2021 Scholar of the Year, Gilchrist is now captaining the U23s.
And he penned his professional deal until 2023 in November, delighting his Chelsea-supporting family.
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DYLAN WILLIAMS - DEFENDER
A new face at Cobham, Williams joined Chelsea from Derby in January after six Championship appearances under Wayne Rooney.
The 18-year-old wing-back is tied down to the Blues until 2025.
And he recently made the bench for this month’s narrow FA Cup win over Luton Town.
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LEWIS HALL - MIDFIELDER
Just 17 years old, versatile midfielder Hall made his full Chelsea debut at centre-back in January’s 5-1 FA Cup triumph over Chesterfield.
The youngster delighted home fans with his all-action style.
And boss Thomas Tuchel is already a huge fan, saying: “He is a nice guy and very calm. He took his chance, so I’m happy for him.”
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HARVEY VALE - MIDFIELDER
A skilful attacking midfielder, Vale has already played four times for Chelsea this season.
The 18-year-old can do a bit of everything, with Tuchel turning to him to help break the deadlock against Luton.
And with eight England U19 caps to his name already, Vale looks set for a bright Blues future.
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JUDE SOONSUP-BELL - FORWARD
An exciting striker, Soonsup-Bell made his senior Chelsea bow in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford.
The forward, 18, idolises Cristiano Ronaldo and is England U16s’ second top scorer, behind Jadon Sancho, with six goals.
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Soonsup-Bell bagged 19 goals in Academy games last term and is contracted to Chelsea until 2023.
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