Chelsea have confirmed 12 first-year academy scholars ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The group visited Stamford Bridge earlier this month for a special evening. The event marked their move into full-time football.
Chelsea named Kwamina Ampah, Jack Anderson, Emmanuel Ayinde, Isaac Collinson, Isaac Badu Da Silva, Heze Grimwade, Jayden Malundama, Jake Murray, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Andrew Pennie, Gabriel Sambou and Reggie Watson in the new scholar group.
Dan Hogan will stay on as Under-18s head coach. He led Chelsea to the Premier League national title last season. Frazer Robertson will continue as assistant coach.
ReadChelsea covered Xabi Alonso’s first Chelsea training session at Cobham within the last 24 hours. The academy pathway already feels relevant to the new first-team era.
Nicoll-Jazuli Leads Strong Scholar Group
Several of the scholars have already played above their age group.
Nicoll-Jazuli is the headline name. The attacking midfielder became Chelsea’s youngest-ever UEFA Youth League starter. He later became the club’s youngest scorer in the competition.
Badu Da Silva also arrives with strong academy experience. The defensive midfielder became a regular for the Under-18s while still a schoolboy. He has also played for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
Pennie, Grimwade, Sambou and Watson have all gained Under-18 or Under-21 experience. Collinson and Murray add England youth pedigree in goal.
Chelsea’s academy remains one of the club’s clearest routes to value and depth. The challenge now is turning promise into senior opportunities.
Alonso’s arrival adds another layer to that pathway. Every young player at Cobham now has a new manager to impress.
The new scholars will start that process under Hogan in the Under-18s. For the best of the group, the next step can arrive quickly.
