The Chelsea first team are on a real high right now following their Club World Cup triumph, however one youngster’s journey at the club has come to an end.
The Blues decimated PSG 3-0 in the final, and some corners of the fanbase will be particularly delighted with three of the players who started the game,
Reece James, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were all very impressive on the night, having all been products of the academy system at Cobham.
Enzo Maresca has frequently given opportunities to young players in the first team across the 2024/25 season. Shumaira Mheuka was even handed a start in the Conference League knockout stages.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesZak Sturge confirms his Chelsea exit
One player who did not get his opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge was Zak Sturge, who joined the club in 2022 from Brighton.
Sturge spent last season on loan at Millwall, and the Championship club made it clear that they were looking to turn his temporary move into a permanent one.
The left-back has now officially made the move to the EFL side, and took to Instagram to say his goodbyes to Chelsea and their supporters.
He said: “After three years at Chelsea it’s time for me to say goodbye. I want to thank the club, the fans, and everyone who has supported me during my time here. I’ve learnt so much and I’m grateful for the memories I’ve made here, I wish everyone at the club the best for the future.”
Kian Best has completed his medical to join Chelsea, with the left-back likely replacing Sturge in the academy squad.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesJohn Terry was a fan of Zak Sturge
Chelsea legend John Terry works closely with the academy side at Cobham, and is the perfect role model for these young players to make it at Stamford Bridge.
Terry made it clear he was impressed by Sturge during his performance for the U21s side, however his time at the club has come to an end.
Graham Potter had called Sturge up to first team training on a number of occasions, although a move away at this stage will now see him granted the chance to earn regular first team minutes elsewhere.