Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso is making some tough cuts on tour, but two Chelsea academy prospects have officially survived the trimmed-down squad.
Chelsea‘s pre-season tour under Xabi Alonso has felt like a direct showcase for Cobham’s finest talent.
With several senior stars returning late from the 2026 World Cup, teenagers have stepped straight into the spotlight.
Dastan Satpayev made an immediate impact by netting Chelsea’s first goal of the summer, while 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Watson turned heads with a calm 90-minute display against Western Sydney.
Meanwhile, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Omari Kellyman and Reggie Walsh all played against Tottenham in the last friendly, but only one of those names will remain.
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Asmir Begovic's Chelsea XI for Fulham away
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Tayo Subuloye stay with Chelsea
According to The Chelsea Spot, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Tayo Subuloye are the only academy players Xabi Alonso has kept with the squad on tour.
The rest are set to fly back and rejoin the U21s.
Nicoll-Jazuli and Olutayo Subuloye are two of Chelsea’s brightest academy prospects.
The former is a highly gifted 16-year-old midfielder known for his physical composure and driving runs, while Subuloye is a commanding 18-year-old centre-back who captained Chelsea’s U18s to a national title.
Both have logged minutes during this pre-season tour under Xabi Alonso. Subuloye started in defence against Western Sydney Wanderers, while Nicoll-Jazuli came off the bench in that same match and stepped up again with a 45-minute display against Tottenham.
Their performances clearly caught Alonso’s eye, earning them extended stays with the first team.