Chelsea did not complete many first-team transfers on deadline day, but there were plenty of movements from within the academy.
Promising winger Ato Ampah joined Stoke City in a seven-figure deal, while Yahya Idrissi departed to AC Milan.
However, the most surprising move saw one of the Blues’ under-18 players join London rivals Tottenham.
Here are the key details about England youth international Joel Vidal-Philbert’s deadline day transfer to Spurs.
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Joel Vidal-Philbert leaves Chelsea for Tottenham on deadline day
Joel Vidal-Philbert signed for Chelsea’s academy from West Ham as a 14-year-old during the 2023/24 season.
The right winger progressed through the age groups to the under-18 level, where he scored once in five U18 Premier League appearances.
He probably would have featured more if he had not been behind highly-rated youngster Ibrahim Rabbaj in the pecking order at Cobham.
Chelsea’s official statement read: “We thank Joel for his efforts during his time at the club and wish him well as he takes the next step in his career.”
Meanwhile, Vidal-Philbert took to Instagram to post the following message on his story about Tottenham: “Happy to be at this wonderful club.”
The youngster has previously played for England’s under-16 team, suggesting that he has a bright future in the game.
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Chelsea’s academy exits in the January transfer window
Seven players exited Chelsea’s academy on either permanent or temporary deals during the January transfer window. Here is the full list:
Ato Ampah (£3m to Stoke City)
Leo Castledine (£2.1m to Middlesbrough)
Frankie Runham (Loan to Ipswich Town)
Ted Curd (Loan to Boreham Wood)
Yahya Idrissi (Undisclosed to AC Milan)
Joel Vidal-Philbert (Undisclosed to Tottenham)
Joseph Wheeler-Henry (Loan to Brentford)
Ato Ampah and Leo Castledine’s exits will help the Blues comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Frankie Runham is also expected to leave the West London club permanently at the end of the season.
Like Vidal-Philbert, Yahya Idrissi is another player who failed to find a place in Chelsea’s U18 starting eleven.
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