In 2025, the future of one Chelsea prospect appears uncertain.
The Chelsea academy continues to provide young talents for the first-team squad every single year, but obviously not everyone can carve out a career at Stamford Bridge.
Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong have both made the step up from the academy to Enzo Maresca’s senior squad during the 2024/25 season. Incidentally, Maresca recently praised George for his development and impact this campaign.
Unfortunately, the latest speculation suggests that the Blues are at risk of losing an influential youngster from the club’s Under-21s side.
Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea youngster Donnell McNeilly yet to accept new contract offer
The future of Chelsea prospect Donnell McNeilly, 19, now feels a bit up in the air.
According to The Daily Mail, McNeilly’s current deal with the Blues is due to expire at the end of the season this summer.
The report says that the teenage striker has been offered a new contract by Chelsea. However, the English talent hasn’t signed it.
Even though McNeilly has majorly impressed for Chelsea’s U21s side this season, he’s still waiting for a first-team debut. He’s not even had a look-in during the Conference League, where several academy players have been drafted into the senior group in recent months.
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Donnell McNeilly for Chelsea’s Under-21s side in the 2024/25 season via Transfermarkt
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Back in September 2024, McNeilly was spotted in first-team training. In fact, the Chelsea prospect been pictured working with Maresca’s squad at Cobham at various parts of the season.
Unless there’s a breakthrough in the next few months, the 19-year-old centre-forward will be moving on without ever representing the first team.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Transfer interest in Donnell McNeilly
It was claimed in the recent January transfer window that Championship clubs considered a move for McNeilly on deadline day.
Even though the teenager stayed put with Chelsea for the rest of the campaign, it’s interesting that clubs are aware of him. If the rising talent becomes available to sign in the summer, could we get a transfer scramble for his signature?
If we were guessing, we’d say McNeilly will be leaving this summer, which would be a shame because he joined Chelsea as an U12.
It’s quite telling that Blues prospect Shim Mheuka, 17, has had first-team minutes recently, but McNeilly has been overlooked.