Official: Chelsea announce deal for talented centre back

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 1:45 AM ET

Chelsea have confirmed that talented academy defender Olutayo Subuloye has signed a new deal with the club.

The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton at under-12 level and has risen through the ranks and signed his first professional contract in 2024.

Subuloye is a centre back, and has played for England at under-18 level and made his debut for Chelsea’s under-19 side in the Uefa Youth League against Bayern Munich.

Olutayo Subuloye signs new deal at Chelsea

Centre back is a position the Blues are looking to strengthen this month and they’ve been linked with Jeremy Jacquet.

Jacobo Ramon is another name believed to be on the radar, whilst Chelsea also have talented youngsters Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr impressing on loan.

Whilst we are still waiting to see if the Blues will sign a centre back this month, the club have moved to tie down an exciting talent.

Chelsea have confirmed Subuloye has signed a new deal, which will keep him tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2030.

Subuloye has made 17 appearances in all competitions across different age groups, and has scored twice in the under-18 Premier League.

This deal follows talented winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen signing his first professional contract with the Blues last week.

Chelsea shouldn’t neglect their academy

Whilst the Blues seem to be looking elsewhere for young talents, they should also be looking at their own production line.

Chelsea have produced a number of top players from their famed Cobham academy, with Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill main stays in the first team, whilst Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George were promoted to the first team squad last season.

It feels like Chelsea have trusted their academy less in recent years, but instead of signing a youngster they could be better served giving some of their own talent a chance to show what they can do.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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