Chelsea have officially announced their list of players departing the club following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, with right-back Richard Olise set to leave when his contract expires on June 30, 2026. The 21-year-old, who spent a decade in Chelsea’s academy system, will end his long association with the Premier League giants after joining the club at the U9 level. Olise, the younger brother of French international Michael Olise, has been a consistent presence in the Blues’ youth setup, progressing through every age group before earning a call-up to the first team squad for a UEFA Conference League match against Astana during the 2024-25 season.
Despite his potential and solid performances in youth competitions, Olise struggled to break into the senior squad in his final season, making only four starts for Chelsea’s development team across all competitions. Known for his composure, tactical discipline, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, he is considered a modern full-back with strong ball-handling skills and positional awareness. Born in London, Olise has previously represented England at the U18 level, showcasing his talent on the international youth stage before deciding to pursue his professional career independently.
Michael Olise, his older brother, gained attention in 2021 when he received a call-up to the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team, but ultimately chose to represent France, where he now plays for Bayern Munich. Michael is expected to feature prominently for Les Bleus at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, adding to the family’s growing reputation in European football. Richard, while not following the same international path, has built a solid foundation through years of development at one of England’s most prestigious academies.
As Chelsea prepare for the next season, the departure of Olise marks the end of an era for a player who showed promise but faced limited first-team opportunities. His exit opens the door for other young talents within the academy to step up and claim their place in the first team. The club is expected to announce further squad changes in the coming weeks as they continue reshaping their squad under new management. For Richard Olise, the next chapter will likely involve a move to a club where he can gain regular playing time and continue developing his game. His journey from Chelsea’s academy to the professional ranks remains a story of dedication and perseverance, and fans will be watching closely to see where his career takes him next.
Leave a Comment