Chelsea have today handed short-term academy scholarship contracts to a trip of non-league prospects as they look to bolster their Under-18 numbers.
Left-back Renedi Masampu and wingers Adebambo Akinjogbin and Tushaun Walters have each penned rolling deals after impressing during the pre-season campaign and will bring much-needed depth to a group that has seen a host of players move on up to Development Squad level and that will be depleted by international call-ups between now and the end of October.
Masampu, 17, first spent a week on trial from Metropolitan Police in May and caught the eye in a position where Jody Morris’ group are particularly short-staffed right now. He made his competitive debut away to Aston Villa last week and will be in line for more opportunities moving forwards.
Akinjogbin, also 17, is a lively two-footed winger who has previously spent time with Brentford and has worked with Nigel James – father of Development Squad defender Reece – at Abbey Rangers in local non-league football. He found the back of the net during the summer friendlies and was an unused substitute at Villa last weekend too.
Walters, who has also worked with James Sr, has been affiliated with Millwall’s community and education arm and, like Akinjogbin, is an exciting winger who also put his name on the scoresheet in pre-season.
The Under-18s return to action this Saturday morning at Cobham, where they welcome Reading for their first home game of the season, in a fixture you can watch live on Chelsea TV.