Chelsea’s £100m Oversight: Former Academy Player Outshines New Signing

Chelsea have begun their summer transfer preparations early, securing deals for Sporting CP youngsters Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo. The club aims to complete most transfers before the busy Club World Cup schedule, according to reports.

While 17-year-old winger Quenda shows promise, Chelsea may regret letting go of a far more developed talent years ago – Michael Olise. The former Chelsea academy player has blossomed into a £100 million-rated star at Bayern Munich after impressing at Crystal Palace.

Olise has recorded 13 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances for Bayern this season. His former manager Oliver Glasner called him “one of the best talents in the world.”

A statistical comparison reveals Olise outperforming Quenda in every key metric, including goals, assists, expected goals, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

Chelsea attempted to re-sign Olise before his Bayern move but were outbid on wages. In hindsight, breaking their wage structure may have been worthwhile for a player now valued at double his £50 million transfer fee.

While Quenda remains an exciting prospect, Chelsea’s oversight in letting Olise leave their academy has proven costly. The 23-year-old Frenchman now represents the caliber of talent the club hopes Quenda can develop into over time.