Even some Chelsea fans might have forgotten Jimi Tauriainen. It has been six years since the Finland playmaker joined the Blues as a 16-year-old talent, in 2020.
Not many Chelsea players can say they were brought to the club before the Todd Boehly administration took over. Yet, 22-year-old Tauriainen was signed from HJK Helsinki six years ago, as a promising talent.
Fast forward to now, and the midfielder has become a complete outcast. Almost forgotten about, the midfielder has been knocking about in the U21’s, playing the odd game. He’s now an overage player.
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Already failing to make it at Chelsea in 2024, Tauriainen suffered an ACL injury and only 12 months ago did the Finnish talent start playing again. In January, it was expected that he would finally leave Chelsea.
Tauriainen helps Finland’s U21 side cruise to massive 8-0 win
His game time is limited. For Chelsea’s U21 side to use him, he is now considered one of three players allowed, given his age. Ultimately, Tauriainen’s future at Chelsea is over and an exit this summer is likely.
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Since the turn of the year, Tauriainen has only been used once by Chelsea’s U21 side. He came off the bench in February during a 5-0 win over Blackburn, scoring Chelsea’s fourth goal in the 88th minute.
Then, on Thursday night, Tauriainen came off the bench for Finland’s U21 side as they cruised past San Marino to win 8-0. The win boosted the U21’s chances of European qualification, currently in second.
Tauriainen’s contract status at Chelsea
As aforementioned, a summer exit is likely for Tauriainen given his lack of game time both for the 21’s and the first team. He has only ever played twice for Chelsea’s senior side, both appearances coming in 2024.
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A Premier League outing against Tottenham in May 2024 came after a brief outing in the 3-2 win over Leeds United in the FA Cup. Both games came during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign as Chelsea manager.
The Finnish youngster has a contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2027, meaning he will not be a free agent in the next transfer window. However, Chelsea are unlikely to request a fee for his services.
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