Michael Olise’s brother leaves Premier League club after more than a decade

Michael Olise’s brother has been released by Chelsea upon the expiration of his contract.

Richard Olise spent ten years in the Blues’ academy, but his time in west London is over.

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Michael Olise suffered a similar fate in 2014 when he was released by Chelsea as a 14-year-old, having spent seven years in their academy without making a first-team appearance.

The Blues would live to regret their decision during a failed attempt to re-sign the France superstar in 2023.

Richard Olise joined the club at under-9s level and made it to the first-team squad during the 2024/25 season.

He was named as part of the squad for a Conference League tie against Astana but never made a first-team appearance.

The 21-year-old is a former Under-18s England youth international.

Unlike his brother, Richard Olise is a full-back, who can operate on the right or the left.

He isn’t the only player to be released by Chelsea.

There are three others also heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

Brodi Hughes, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Taurianen.

Hughes spent 13 years with the academy, having joined as an under-8.

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He spent this season on loan at Wimbledon.

Rak-Sakyi is the younger brother of Crystal Palace forward Jesurun and has managed four senior first-team appearances.

He is an England youth international and also progressed through the age groups at Cobham.

Finally, Finnish youth international Taurianen is on the move.

He joined the club in 2020 and was on the bench for the Carabao Cup final in 2024.

Taurianen made two first-team appearances for the Blues.

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Olise’s dream

While Richard waits to try and find a new club, he will be watching his brother in action at the World Cup.

The right winger is expected to start for France on the right of Didier Deschamps‘ attack.

He scored a hat-trick against Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille and is heading to North America in sublime form.

Olise played a huge role in Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and making the Champions League semi-final.

The 24-year-old is one of the favourites to lift the Ballon d’Or, and that claim would be strengthened if he delivers on the world stage.

Across all competitions for Bayern, Olise scored 22 times and set up a further 31 goals.

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He will be linking up with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Rayan Cherki, to name but a few.

Of course, England missed out on Olise choosing to represent them internationally, but France was always the plan.

Speaking about his international choice, Olise said: “I have always had a connection with the France national team, that is why I play for France.

“Nationality says where you come from, and I actually come from four countries: France, Algeria, Nigeria and Great Britain.

“I consider myself very lucky to possess these four parts, which all enrich me.

“I feel each individual part in me. I’ve developed attachments in all my countries.

“When I was growing up in London we regularly visited Algeria, Nigeria and France.”