Chelsea have been massively boosted by two academy stars signing scholarship terms with the club despite interest from European sides
14:33, 05 Jul 2026Updated 14:39, 05 Jul 2026
Rio Ngumoha
View Image
Rio Ngumoha left Chelsea's academy in 2024 to join Liverpool(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA)
Chelsea youngsters Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Reggie Watson have committed their futures to the club by signing scholarship terms, football.london understands.
Nicoll-Jazuli, 16, is considered one of the academy's most promising talents and had interest from several European sides but turned down interest to commit his future to the Blues. Watson, similarly, had interest from elsewhere but believes he is already at the club that will aid his development the best.
Both are expected to sign professional contracts when they turn 17. The academy stars, who trained with the first team last season, will both turn 17 in January 2027.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Chelsea have been stung in the past by their brightest talent moving elsewhere. Perhaps chiefly among those in recent times being Rio Ngumoha, who decided to move to Liverpool after the Reds expressed a keen interest in his signature.
Article continues below
Ngumoha, a scholar at the time, had his head turned by Liverpool, who offered him, he felt, a clear pathway into senior football. Chelsea did their utmost to try and persuade Ngumoha, now an England international, to stay at Cobham but the winger's mind was on Anfield.
Chelsea will be hoping nothing similar happens to their two new scholars but will be all too aware of interested parties. The Blues can point to the success of Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and even Tyrique George, who is close to moving to Everton for £24million, as examples of how academy stars can flourish at Stamford Bridge.