The multitude of promising talents that come through the Chelsea academy means they were not all going to make it at Stamford Bridge, and now one individual has accepted his dreams of playing for England are also over.
The current first team in West London sees regular appearances from the likes of Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, while Reece James and Levi Colwill are established members of the starting side.
Enzo Maresca has been keen to utilise the academy prospects. The boss just made Reggie Walsh the youngest Champions League appearance maker for Chelsea in the last week.
Before the current crop, Jude Soonsup-Bell was one of the most promising youngsters at the club, who even made his debut for the first team under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea v Manchester United: U18 Premier League Cup
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chris Lee – Chelsea FC
Former Chelsea youngster Jude Soonsup-Bell set to become Thailand international
However, things didn’t work out for him either at Chelsea or Tottenham’s academy. Soonsup-Bell joined Grimsby over the summer.
Now 21 years of age, the attacker has already represented England all the way up the Under 19 level, however now looks set to become a senior international for another country.
According to Thai football expert Ta Lao, Soonsup-Bell has accepted a call up to feature for the Thailand national team next month.
He said: “BREAKING NEWS: CHANGSUEK SECURE JUDE SOONSUP-BELL!
“Grimsby Town striker Jude Soonsup-Bell has accepted the call-up to play for the Thai National Team! FA President ‘Madame Pang’ Nualphan Lamsam is moving immediately to complete the paperwork.
“Head Coach Anthony Hudson nominated the former Chelsea/Spurs youth star for the November ACQ2027 Squad.”
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: CHANGSUEK SECURE JUDE SOONSUP-BELL! 🇹🇭
Grimsby Town striker Jude Soonsup-Bell has accepted the call-up to play for the Thai National Team!
FA President "Madame Pang" Nualphan Lamsam is moving immediately to complete the paperwork.
Head Coach Anthony Hudson… pic.twitter.com/Ng0DI2YAvb
— Ta L. (@talao_) October 27, 2025
View Tweet
Soonsup-Bell’s very impressive record for Chelsea U18s
While the likes of Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Walsh make their mark for the academy sides at Cobham, they will only be hoping that they can mirror the impact Soonsup-Bell had before them.
The striker scored 23 goals and registered two assists for the Under 18s, however found the step up to U21 level far more difficult.
He managed just five goals in 40 appearances, ultimately culminating in his departure from the club, failing to make the desired impact at Tottenham too.
He is yet to get off the mark for Grimsby, however will be hopeful that his fortunes could be about to change on the international stage with Thailand.