The most promising academy ace ever transferred

With three weeks to go before the transfer window closes for another few months, Chelsea still have the chance to make deals that give Enzo Maresca the best chance of getting his coaching career in west London off to the best possible start.

The Blues have not had a great pre-season, drawing 2-2 with Wrexham and losing 4-1 to Celtic, 4-2 to Man City and 2-1 to Real Madrid.

Their only win so far (3-0) came against Club America, but the local club will now get their first chance to see their boys in action with the final friendly against Inter, which will be played at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

Chelsea set to let ‘most promising’ youth player leave

The real action begins next Sunday when Chelsea take on Pep Guardiola’s City once again, as the reigning Premier League champions travel to West London.

If Maresca can start his English top-flight season with a decent result in that match, it could set the tone.

There is still work to be done behind the scenes in the transfer market, but there is one decision the club is about to make.

According to Football Scotland, Leo Castledine is one of the most promising players to ever emerge from Chelsea’s youth academy, but the 19-year-old has been allowed to join Scottish giants Rangers on loan.

A player who previously trained under Mauricio Pochettino could be leaving the club in a phased manner ahead of the 2024/25 season. While it may only be a loan spell with a view to a potential return, it does raise the question of why Chelsea themselves do not see any development opportunities for him at the club.

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One of the pillars of any club these days is undoubtedly the consistent production of young players.

Getting them into the first team should be the priority above all else, but Chelsea under Todd Boehly are turning their backs on their best home-grown talent.

Gallagher, Chalobah, Castledine… who’s next?