The 13 Best Players Chelsea Sold Too Soon

Chelsea's academy and squad churn has gifted rivals a shocking amount of talent — future league winners, record-breakers and World Cup names who did their best work after leaving Stamford Bridge. Which one hurts the most? Cast your vote!

1. 1
   Mohamed Salah

   Sold to Roma after a quiet spell, he returned to England as Liverpool's record-breaking talisman.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Fikayo Tomori

   The defender left for AC Milan and won a Serie A title as a key starter.
   862pts
3. 3
   Tammy Abraham

   The academy striker sold to Roma, where he scored freely under Mourinho.
   517pts
4. 4
   Declan Rice

   Released by the academy at 14, he grew into a England midfield mainstay and record signing.
   517pts
5. 5
   Marc Guehi

   Left for Crystal Palace and became an England centre-back and captain material.
   517pts
6. 6
   Nathan Ake

   Sold to Bournemouth, later a Premier League and Champions League winner with Manchester City.
   517pts
7. 7
   Bertrand Traore

   The Burkinabe forward sold to Lyon after flashes of promise in blue.
   423pts
8. 8
   Nathaniel Chalobah

   Highly rated academy midfielder who never got a real run at the Bridge.
   423pts
9. 9
   Juan Mata

   Two-time Player of the Year sold to Manchester United under Mourinho.
   423pts
10. 10
    Andreas Christensen

    Departed on a free to Barcelona and slotted straight into their starting XI.
    310pts
11. 11
    Romelu Lukaku

    Let go as a teenager, he became a prolific Premier League and Serie A striker.
    310pts
12. 12
    Antonio Rudiger

    Allowed to leave on a free for Real Madrid, where he became a defensive rock.
    310pts
13. 13
    Kevin De Bruyne

    Barely played before being sold in 2014, then became one of the world's best at Manchester City.
    172pts