Chelsea have signed a ton of youngsters in recent years since the change in ownership, as they look to discover the next big things before it takes significant fees to sign them. Of course, that kind of strategy takes time, and it will be interesting to see how the policy works over the coming years. The Blues are banking on the likes of Kendry Paez, Mike Penders, Dastan Satpaev and others to be stars in the future.
Of course, that strategy has meant that there are fewer opportunities to go around for the youngsters coming through the youth ranks at Cobham. And there are a few highly-rated talents there as well.
The likes of Shim Mheuka, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Reggie Walsh are a few examples of players who are expected to make a mark on the senior team soon enough. And the club have gone out and handed a contract extension to one such talent, showing their trust in him.
As reported by Chelsea's official website, Genesis Antwi has signed a new three-year contract with the Blues. It also includes a further two-year option.
Official: Chelsea announce contract extension for defender
Antwi joined the club as a U-12 player and has risen through the ranks since then. He is now a key player for the youth teams and knocking on the senior team door.
Of course, breaking in at right-back at Chelsea is going to be difficult. The club already have players like Malo Gusto and Reece James there. Josh Acheampong also plays there, as well as centre-back, although the lack of minutes for him after an excellent opening day performance has been confusing, especially due to the lack of quality being shown at the back by the Blues right now.
Antwi has already made a couple of appearances at the senior level for Chelsea. He impressed in pre-season as well.
The next step for the defender might be to go out on loan and play somewhere on a consistent basis. Don't be surprised if that happens in January, or next summer.