Olutayo Subuloye is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window, with European clubs keeping a close eye on the Chelsea defender. The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior debut, but his progress has put him firmly on the radar.
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Olutayo Subuloye is attracting the interest ahead of the January transfer window with many clubs keeping an active tab on him. Chelsea are still deciding if a loan move would be the right step for the 18-year-old, as per latest transfer news.
European clubs are watching Olutayo Subuloye
Subuloye is yet to play a single match for Chelsea’s first team. However, he is clearly starting to get noticed outside the club. The defender has been playing regularly for the youth team and was recently handed the captaincy of the Under-21 side.
As reported by the Standard, many clubs have already made enquiries about the youngster. There is also expected to be interests from clubs in England ahead of the January transfer window. However, Chelsea have not yet decided whether to send him out on a loan. This decision will eventually be made on what is best for his development. Chelsea obviously do not want to lose a player they rate so highly. However, it is about time he gets some senior football experience.
From midfielder to centre-back
Subuloye’s route from the academy has been slightly different from others. He moved to Chelsea from Brighton when he was still at under-12 level and was initially used as a midfielder before moving towards central defence. This change worked and he continued to progress through the age groups. He was part of the Under-18 that won both national and southern title last season. His performance also helped him earn the captain’s armband for the U-21s.
Olutayo Subuloye’s 2026/27 stats in the Premier League 2 so far, as per FOTMOB:
Apps Cleansheets Defensive contributions Aerialduels won(%) Duelswon(%)
4 0 40 86.7% 64.7%
He has already had time playing with Chelsea’s first team. He had travelled with Chelsea during their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia and played 179 minutes there. For a player waiting for his competitive debut, these opportunities are important.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s January plans for Olutayo Subuloye
Subuloye is hoping to make his professional debut this season and Carabao Cup and FA Cup being the best opportunities for his debut. His contract expires in 2030 with Chelsea. This shows Chelsea are planning for his long-term development rather than simply looking at the next few months.
The defender is also versatile enough to give Chelsea another option in defence. His previous experience in the midfield has helped him with his ability with the ball, while his leadership has been recognised as he moved through the academy.
The next step, though, is the difficult one. Staying at Chelsea would allow him to train around the first team but he would not be getting playing time in competitive senior football. A loan could change that and help massively with his development as a football player.
Author’s opinion
In my opinion, Chelsea should send him off on a loan basis to other Premier League clubs which are interested in him. In such an instance, he would get playing time in the Premier League and would give him enough experience to help him with his development. However, if Chelsea wants to give him serious minutes from his season onwards then keeping him would make sense. Otherwise, a loan would make the most sense.
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