A look at three former academy prospects Chelsea should look to re-sign

Chelsea have, in recent years, produced a number of players who have gone on to make their name in the game. While some of them have been at the Bridge, a large number of them have also succeeded at other clubs.

The likes of Nathan Ake, Patrick van Aanholt and Ryan Bertrand have all gone on to experience varying levels of success elsewhere of late. One name that stands out is that of West Ham United star Declan Rice.

Released by the Blues at the age of 14, the Englishman is today a full English international and the lynchpin of a Hammers side who are doing well this season. His performances have left a profound impact on Frank Lampard who is keen to bring him back to the Bridge.

While the 21-year-old is certainly a player we could do with, he is far from the only former prospect we should have our eye on. We take a look at three other academy stars who are flourishing elsewhere.

The budget choice – Jérémie Boga (Sassuolo)

24-year-old Jérémie Boga moved to Sassuolo in 2018 after nine years at the Bridge. During that time he went out on loan three times, making a solitary appearance for the Chelsea first team.

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Jeremie Boga of Sassuolo celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Genoa CFC at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on January 06, 2021 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ALLESANDRO SABATTINI/GETTY IMAGES.

He has now made 76 appearances for the Italians, scoring 16 goals and making seven assists. While the numbers are far from eye-catching, Boga has shown he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

More so he could prove to be a decent backup who can be attainted at an affordable price. Chelsea did in fact have an option to bring the winger back to the club for £13m. However, they chose to pass on the opportunity and instead include a sell-on clause.

Given the take, it is safe to assume that Boga’s chances of a return are minimal. At just 24, he has plenty of time to make a name for himself. Whether the Blues will indeed make a move for him in the future remains to be seen.

The Ivory Coast international for his part was open to a return to Chelsea. More so, he does not appear to hold any regrets over how his time in London panned out.

The well-known name – Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Tariq Lamptey spent almost 12 years at Chelsea, eventually leaving for Brighton in 2020. Unlike Boga or Rice, the decision to leave the club was made by the 20-year-old himself.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 01, 2020 in London, England. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY MIKE HEWITT/GETTY IMAGES.

Lamptey made three appearances for the Blues first team during his time at the Bridge. However, the youngster was keen for more playtime and sought to get it elsewhere.

His move to The Amex has certainly paid off. He has so far made 19 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring one goal and assisting four more. He has fit in well into Graham Potter’s side and could evolve into a top class full-back in the years to come.

It is difficult to say if he would have experienced the same success at Chelsea had he stayed put. This is due to the presence of another full-back talent in Reece James. The 21-year-old is already a starter for Chelsea and is at the moment a more dynamic presence in comparison to Lamptey.

The Brighton star has the makings fully a truly excellent player. The role of a modern full-back has been revolutionized thanks to teams such as Liverpool and players like Lamptey are theoretically excellent fits for the all-action gameplay required to flourish in the role.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion warms up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on September 20, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ALEX PANTLING/GETTY IMAGES.

It is just Lamptey’s misfortune that he happens to be active at the same time as Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Whether it be Chelsea or elsewhere, he appears to be destined to end up at a top side.

The potential world-beater – Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich may have missed out on Callum Hudson-Odoi but they did manage to sign a potential superstar from Chelsea in 2019.

Signed from TSV Lehnerz in 2011, Jamal Musiala spent eight years in the Blues youth academy. He moved to Bayern in the summer of 2019, making his first-team debut in 2020.

Still just 17, the youngster has secured himself a fair share of playing time at the Allianz Arena. Primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder, Musiala has so far made 18 appearances for the Bavarians, scoring thrice.

Given the talent on Bayern’s roster, it is a testament to Musiala’s abilities that he is able to break into their senior side.

With the likes of Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Billy Gilmour, Chelsea have a number of young midfielders coming to the fore. It can however be argued that Musiala’s potential far outweighs theirs.

The youngster has also sparked a war between Germany and England. Born in Stuttgart, Musiala has represented England at the youth level. With Joachin Low’s side needing a rebuild, Musiala could very well be one of the players around whom Germany can build their next great team.

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