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

Mohamed Salah

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

1000pts

2

Fikayo Tomori

The defender left for AC Milan and won a Serie A title as a key starter.

862pts

3

Tammy Abraham

The academy striker sold to Roma, where he scored freely under Mourinho.

517pts

4

Declan Rice

Released by the academy at 14, he grew into a England midfield mainstay and record signing.

517pts

5

Marc Guehi

Left for Crystal Palace and became an England centre-back and captain material.

517pts

6

Nathan Ake

Sold to Bournemouth, later a Premier League and Champions League winner with Manchester City.

517pts

7

Bertrand Traore

The Burkinabe forward sold to Lyon after flashes of promise in blue.

423pts

8

Nathaniel Chalobah

Highly rated academy midfielder who never got a real run at the Bridge.

423pts

9

Juan Mata

Two-time Player of the Year sold to Manchester United under Mourinho.

423pts

10

Andreas Christensen

Departed on a free to Barcelona and slotted straight into their starting XI.

310pts

11

Romelu Lukaku

Let go as a teenager, he became a prolific Premier League and Serie A striker.

310pts

12

Antonio Rudiger

Allowed to leave on a free for Real Madrid, where he became a defensive rock.

310pts

13

Kevin De Bruyne

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

172pts