Chelsea to lose another academy prospect as Leeds United pounce

Bate to follow Guehi out of the door

It has been a disappointing week for Chelsea fans when it comes to academy graduates.

The likes of Calum Hudson Odoi, Reece James and Mason Mount have all made their way from the Cobham academy into Chelsea’s first team, with the latter two playing starring roles in Chelsea’s Champions League final win over Manchester City in May.

However, for those hoping that the trend would continue, there has been little hope. Highly-rated prospect Marc Guehi was sold to Crystal Palace last week, and Billy Gilmour has been sent on loan to Premier League new boys Norwich City.

Marc Guehi has today signed for Crystal Palace on a permanent deal.

Good luck, Marc! 👊

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 18, 2021

And now to add insult to injury, it appears as though Lewis Bate, a highly thought of central midfielder, is set to join Leeds United on a permenant deal. The Athletic’s Simon Johnson reports:

“Lewis Bate is closing in on a move from CFC to LUFC. Fee has been agreed with a sell on clause, no buy back. Personal terms being discussed in view of a medical tomorrow.”

Lewis Bate is closing in on a move from #CFC to #LUFC. Fee has been agreed with a sell on clause, no buy back. Personal terms being discussed in view of a medical tomorrow. Still possibility of another club hijacking it late but obviously time is running out for that to happen.

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 20, 2021

More to follow

Bate may not be the last one out of the door at Chelsea’s academy either, with Valentino Livramento, an incredibly highly-rated wing-back, and Myles Peart-Harris also attracting interest.

#CFC are close to losing three of their best academy players – Lewis Bate, Valentino Livramento and Myles Peart-Harris – to other Premier League clubs. Full story here: https://t.co/QG6bLvSr1L

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 19, 2021

Livramento is thought to be attracting interest from Brighton, who snapped up Tariq Lamptey from the Blues in a similar deal eighteen months ago.

Meanwhile, Peart-Harris seems set to join Brentford FC and is even reported to have “said his goodbyes” to Chelsea’s youth squad.

Myles Peart-Harris is close to joining Brentford and has said his goodbyes to Chelsea’s youth squad.

Brighton are pushing hard to win the race for Tino Livramento.

Lewis Bate is still undecided on his future and hasn’t chosen Leeds but they’re in the mix. #CFC

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 19, 2021

With such talent already in the squad already, and the ability to spend heavily in positions of need, could it be some time until we see another graduate amongst Chelsea’s ranks?Read more:

Why Chelsea’s Hakimi interest could cost Blues their Academy Player of the Year – Tino Livramento

Who is Valentino Livramento, the explosive right-back on Chelsea’s bench vs Man City?

This article was edited by
Josh Barker.

Chelsea betting odds, next game:

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace odds: result, both teams to score, correct score & goalscorers

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Result/Both teams score	Yes	No
Chelsea	2/1	1/1
Crystal Palace	16/1	16/1
Draw	7/1	14/1

Chelsea’s latest videos

Skills, Assists… and Laughs 🤣 | Erin Cuthbert | Best of 2020/21

Happy birthday Erin Cuthbert! Not only is Erin a fierce competitor and highly skilled…

2021-07-19T15:00:13Z

Thank You Olivier Giroud 💙 | Top 10 Chelsea Goals

After 3 years and 119 games for Chelsea, Olivier Giroud is leaving the club.…

2021-07-18T11:00:15Z

Premier League table

#	Team	MP	D	P
1	Leeds United	0	0	0
2	Manchester City	0	0	0
3	Manchester United	0	0	0
4	West Ham United	0	0	0
5	Everton FC	0	0	0
6	Southampton FC	0	0	0
7	Chelsea FC	0	0	0
8	Arsenal FC	0	0	0
9	Newcastle United	0	0	0
10	Leicester City	0	0	0
11	Liverpool FC	0	0	0
12	Aston Villa	0	0	0
13	Tottenham Hotspur	0	0	0
14	Wolverhampton Wanderers	0	0	0
15	Crystal Palace	0	0	0
16	Norwich City	0	0	0
17	Watford FC	0	0	0
18	Burnley FC	0	0	0
19	Brighton & Hove Albion	0	0	0
20	Brentford FC	0	0	0

Player	Team	Red Cards	Yellow Cards