Chelsea became the first Premier League club to return over £300 million in player sales in the summer transfer window.
The Blues sold Noni Madueke (£53m to Arsenal), Joao Felix (£43m to Al Nassr), Christopher Nkunku (£36m to AC Milan), and several other big names.
However, some of Chelsea’s summer transfer business went under the radar, such as Alfie Gilchrist’s move to West Brom and Alex Matos’ exit to Sheffield United.
Another academy star departed Stamford Bridge on deadline day for fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest.
Donnell McNeilly celebrates scoring during Chelsea U21 v Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 - Premier League 2, Round of 16
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Donnell McNeilly joins Nottingham Forest on deadline day
Donnell McNeilly was one of Chelsea’s top under-21 players in the 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals in 20 Premier League 2 matches.
He also scored 21 times in 21 U18 Premier League appearances in the 2023/24 campaign, so his prolific goalscoring is not new.
Still, McNeilly decided to join another club in the summer transfer window to further his development into a first-team player.
We're delighted to confirm the signing of Donnell McNeilly, who has signed a three-year deal. ✍️
The exciting young forward will gain valuable senior football experience in the coming campaign, heading to League One side Wycombe Wanderers on a season-long loan.
— Nottingham Forest Academy (@NFFCAcademy) September 1, 2025
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After rejecting a contract offer at Stamford Bridge, he agreed to a three-year deal with Nottingham Forest.
“Many highs & lows, trials & tribulations, but most importantly, all memories that’ll stick for a lifetime,” he posted on Instagram.
“It’s never easy to step away from the club I’ve developed at as a player and person for the past 7 years, but it’s time for a new challenge.
“I wish everyone at Chelsea nothing but blessings and success. Thank you for everything.”
A goal machine in academy football ⚽️
We're delighted to announce the capture of teenage striker Donnell McNeilly, who has joined Nottingham Forest from Chelsea and immediately headed out on loan to Adams Park for the 2025/26 season. pic.twitter.com/LtxlmQLxp4
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 1, 2025
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Chelsea under-21 strikers after Donnell McNeilly’s departure
Chelsea still have plenty of young strikers on the books despite McNeilly’s deadline day transfer to Nottingham Forest.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Ronnie Stutter joined Peterborough United and Barnet, respectively, on loan in the final hours of the window.
Shumaira Mheuka is one of the Blues’ top academy prospects, having played four times in the Conference League last season at 17 years of age.
Dujuan Richards is another exciting forward at Cobham. He has scored two goals in three games for the under-21s this season from the right wing.