As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, Chelsea has officially announced that four of its players will be leaving the club upon the expiration of their contracts on June 30. The news emerged via a statement published on the club’s official X account on Wednesday, detailing the individuals who will not be retained.
The list includes defender Brodi Hughes, who spent 13 years within Chelsea’s academy system. Hughes initially joined the Blues as an Under-8 player and developed through the ranks at Cobham. During the previous campaign, he gained experience on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League One.
Another player moving on is Richard Olise, whose association with the club spanned a decade. Olise arrived at Chelsea as an Under-9 prospect and featured across multiple youth levels. He even earned a spot in the first-team squad for the UEFA Conference League fixture against Astana in the 2024/25 season.
Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi is also part of the departing group, having made four senior appearances for Chelsea. Starting his journey at the academy at age eight, Rak-Sakyi progressed through Cobham’s youth system and represented England at various youth levels. During the 2024/25 campaign, he made his senior debut in the UEFA Conference League against Noah and went on to feature three more times in the same competition.
The fourth player leaving is Jimi Tauriainen, who joined Chelsea in 2020. He was previously named among the substitutes for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in 2024.
This departure list comes at a time of transition for the club, with the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso signaling a fresh chapter. Alonso is expected to stamp his authority on the squad, and these player exits are part of the natural reshaping process.