Chelsea were given a painful reminder on Monday night of the risks of letting go their academy talents, and another top youngster could be about to head out the door.
Former Blues star Rio Ngumoha was on hand to give Liverpool a dramatic win over Newcastle, scoring deep in injury time on his first Premier League appearance.
Chelsea fans watched on in horror at Ngumoha scoring for one of their biggest rivals, given he was on their books just one year ago.
Given the talent that emerges from Cobham every single year, it is only natural that some of the stars slip through the cracks, however there is risk that another youngster could now come back to haunt them in the future.
Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League
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Donnel McNeilly tipped to join top Premier League club
Donnel McNeilly enjoyed a free-scoring campaign in the Premier League 2 last season, and was alongside the first team stars in training on multiple occasions.
Despite impressing, the striker has been linked with a move away from the club, and The Athletic have claimed that a Premier League side who are competing in Europe this season could end up being his destination.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all currently competing in a UEFA competition, and therefore could be looking to bring McNeilly in this summer.
Some were tipping McNeilly to feature in the Conference League last season, after fellow young striker Shumaira Mheuka begun to appear regularly.
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McNeilly rejects new Chelsea contract
According to Transfermarkt, McNeilly’s contract at Chelsea has now expired, and has been since the start of July.
While there is so far no clarity over where he will end up, reports have stated McNeilly has rejected a new contract at Chelsea, allowing him to explore his options.
Ngumoha’s goal and impact for Liverpool during the recent pre-season campaign should serve as a firm warning to Chelsea that they could end up regretting letting some of these young talents leave the club.
McNeilly could end up being next on a growing list, with it seeming as if there is no chance he remains on Chelsea’s books beyond this summer.