Not only Thiago Silva! Chelsea confirms two more player departures

Chelsea's released list, published by the Premier League on Wednesday, confirms the departure of three players as their contracts expire on 30 June. Veteran defender Thiago Silva, along with academy graduates Josh Brooking and Noah Hay, will bid farewell to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Silva's exit comes as no surprise, as the Brazilian had already announced his intention to rejoin Fluminense last month. The 38-year-old's departure marks the end of an era at Chelsea, where he played a vital role in the team's defensive line. Silva's experience and leadership will be sorely missed, as he leaves behind a legacy of excellence during his time at the club.

Brooking, a 21-year-old England Youth centre-back, leaves Chelsea after six years in the academy without making a first-team appearance. Despite being named as an unused substitute in the Premier League win over Fulham in October and the League Cup victory against Brighton in September, the young defender will now seek opportunities elsewhere. Brooking's potential was evident during his time in the academy, and he will undoubtedly be eager to prove himself at his next club.

Hay, an 18-year-old full-back who joined Chelsea's youth system in 2022, will also depart the club. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Hay made 11 appearances for the Under-18s, showcasing his potential. The young defender's departure is a reminder of the competitive nature of the academy system, and he will now look to continue his development at another club.

As Chelsea prepares for the summer transfer window, the club is reportedly demanding a fee of more than £50 million for first-team midfielder Conor Gallagher. The Blues are willing to cash in on the academy graduate to raise funds and comply with Financial Fair Play rules, as the new ownership led by Todd Boehly has invested over £1 billion in the squad since July 2022.

Meanwhile, striker Armando Broja is expected to make a permanent exit this summer, with Wolves, Monaco, and Bologna all vying for his signature. The 22-year-old, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at Fulham, has attracted significant interest from top clubs across Europe, including several Bundesliga teams and additional Premier League sides.

Earlier this week, Chelsea confirmed the appointment of former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca as their new manager, replacing Mauricio Pochettino. Maresca will be tasked with leading the team into a new era and rebuilding the squad following the departures of key players.

Chelsea fans will be keeping a close eye on the club's activities, both in terms of incoming and outgoing players. The departures of Silva, Brooking, and Hay signal the beginning of a new chapter for the club, as they look to reshape their squad and build for the future under the guidance of their new manager.