If you’ve been following Chelsea’s squad rebuild under Todd Boehly, you already know the club is betting big on youth. But while the headlines focus on high-profile signings like Estevao Willian and Liam Delap, the real story might be unfolding closer to home—at Cobham. The Chelsea Academy continues to produce first-team ready talents, and the 2025 batch is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you’re a fan scouting the next Cole Palmer or an FPL manager looking for differentials, here’s your checklist of academy graduates to track this season.
Why Cobham Still Matters
Let’s be real: Chelsea’s transfer strategy under Boehly has been aggressive. The squad is one of the most expensive young squads in the Premier League, with a relatively low average age. But here’s the thing: the academy pipeline hasn’t dried up. In fact, it’s adapting. With the club’s focus on long-term development and sell-on value, graduates from Cobham are increasingly used in two ways—either as squad players who understand the club’s DNA, or as assets that can be sold for pure profit under financial fair play rules.
For the 2025/26 season, several academy products are knocking on the door of the first team. Some have already made appearances under interim manager Calum Macfarland, who took over after a turbulent season that saw Enzo Maresca depart. Macfarland, a former academy coach himself, knows the Cobham system well—and that’s good news for the graduates.
The Top 5 Academy Graduates to Watch in 2025/26
Here’s your checklist. These are the players who have either already broken into the first-team squad or are expected to feature regularly this season. I’ve included their primary positions, key strengths, and a quick verdict on their potential impact.
| Player | Position | Key Strength | Current Status | Likely Role 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Hall (on loan return) | Left-back / Midfield | Versatility, crossing | Returning from loan at Newcastle | Squad rotation / cup starts |
| Carney Chukwuemeka | Attacking midfield | Dribbling, physicality | First-team squad | Impact sub / cup competitions |
| Alfie Gilchrist | Centre-back | Leadership, aerial duels | First-team squad | Backup CB / cup early rounds |
| Leo Castledine | Attacking midfield | Creativity, set pieces | U21s / first-team training | Cup minutes |
| Jimmy-Jay Morgan | Striker | Pace, movement | U21s / loan candidate | Possible loan to Championship |
1. Lewis Hall – The Return Ticket
Hall spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Newcastle, where he gained experience playing both left-back and midfield. With Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell still at the club, his path isn’t straightforward—but Macfarland likes versatile players. If Cucurella is rotated, Hall could be a cover option. He’s also an option in midfield if needed.
Checklist item: Keep an eye on pre-season friendlies. If Hall starts consistently at left-back, he’s in the rotation.
2. Carney Chukwuemeka – The Breakthrough Candidate
Chukwuemeka has had some injury setbacks, but when fit, he’s a genuine talent. He’s tall, strong, and can carry the ball through midfield—something Chelsea’s current midfield sometimes lacks. With Cole Palmer occupying the central attacking role, Chukwuemeka might have to settle for minutes as a substitute or in cup competitions. But if Palmer is rested, he could get a run of starts.
Checklist item: Track his fitness in the first six weeks. If he stays healthy, he could be a regular off the bench.
3. Alfie Gilchrist – The Cobham Leader
Gilchrist is the kind of defender Chelsea fans love: committed, vocal, and comfortable on the ball. He’s been training with the first team for over a year and made several appearances last season. With Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as the likely starting centre-backs, Gilchrist is competing for the backup role.
Checklist item: Watch for cup starts. If Gilchrist gets the nod in early cup rounds, he’s moving up the pecking order.
4. Leo Castledine – The Creative Spark
Castledine is a name that might not be on every fan’s radar yet, but he should be. He’s an attacking midfielder who can play on either wing or centrally, and he’s a threat from set pieces. With Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho providing width, Castledine might not get Premier League minutes straight away. But in cup competitions, he could be a revelation.
Checklist item: Look for his name in squad announcements for midweek cup games. If he’s on the bench, expect a cameo.
5. Jimmy-Jay Morgan – The Poacher
Morgan is a pure striker—quick, intelligent with his movement, and clinical in the box. With Liam Delap and Joao Pedro as the main strikers, Morgan’s path is blocked for now. A loan to a Championship side could be a smart move, and it’s possible before the window closes. If he stays, he’ll be limited to U21 football.
Checklist item: Check the loan announcements. If Morgan goes to a Championship club, he’s one to monitor for FPL next season.
How These Graduates Fit Into the 2025/26 System
Under Macfarland, Chelsea have shifted to a more pragmatic style. The squad is young and energetic, but it’s also inconsistent—as the 2025/26 Premier League season has shown. Macfarland tends to use formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with an emphasis on pressing and quick transitions.
- Hall fits the left-back role in both systems, offering overlap options for Garnacho or Neto.
- Chukwuemeka can play as a number 10 or as a box-to-box midfielder in a three-man midfield.
- Gilchrist is a traditional centre-back who can also play right-back in a pinch.
- Castledine is best as a number 10, but Macfarland has used him on the wing in pre-season.
- Morgan is a penalty-box striker—he needs service, but he’ll finish chances.
What This Means for FPL Managers
If you’re playing FPL this season, you’re probably looking at Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez as the main Chelsea assets. But the academy graduates offer differential potential:
- Lewis Hall at a budget price could be a steal if he nails down a starting spot. He’s attacking-minded and takes set pieces.
- Carney Chukwuemeka at a moderate price is a punt—if he gets a run of games, his dribbling stats could translate into goals or assists.
- Alfie Gilchrist is a cheap defender who might get clean sheet points in cup games. Not a priority, but a budget enabler.
The Bigger Picture: Cobham’s Role in Chelsea’s Future
Chelsea’s academy isn’t just about producing players for the first team—it’s also a revenue stream. Under Boehly, the club has sold homegrown talents like Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for significant fees. The 2025 batch could follow a similar path: some will become first-team regulars, others will be sold to balance the books.
For fans, that’s a mixed feeling. On one hand, seeing academy graduates succeed in the first team is the dream. On the other, the financial reality of modern football means some will be moved on. What’s clear is that Cobham remains one of the best academies in England—and the 2025 graduates are proof that the pipeline is still flowing.
Your Action Plan
- Watch pre-season friendlies – This is where you’ll see who Macfarland trusts.
- Track cup squad announcements – League Cup and FA Cup early rounds are where graduates get their chances.
- Follow loan moves – If a graduate goes to a Championship or League One club, they’re worth monitoring for future seasons.
- Check injury news – A first-team injury can open the door for an academy player.
- Be patient – Academy graduates rarely hit the ground running. Give them time.
The 2025/26 season might not be Chelsea’s year for a Premier League title—but it could be the year the next generation announces itself. Keep your eyes on Cobham.