Next Chelsea owner given future academy challenge to meet Roman Abramovich’s dream

There are many things that Roman Abramovich leaves as part of his legacy as owner of Chelsea Football Club. Though trophies are one thing, perhaps the growth of the Cobham Academy can be seen as one of his greatest achievements with the Blues.

Cobham has brought through a number of youngsters that have been able to excel on the big stage, be that for Chelsea or elsewhere. You only have to take a look at the recent England Men’s senior squad to see the impact, with six of the 25 coming through the academy, with many more still progressing through the youth ranks.

That is the legacy left behind and one that will have to be picked up by the new owners, given just how important it is to operations. As per a CIES report, Chelsea have the eighth most profitable academy system in the world with €210million (£176million) made since 2015, leading the way for English clubs too.

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That’s all without looking at the first-team and potential prospects coming through. Mason Mount, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Callum Hudson-Odoi all play crucial roles in the senior squad currently.

Add someone like Armando Broja, currently impressing on-loan at Southampton, potentially coming into the fold, while others like Ian Maatsen and Levi Colwill also impress in the Championship. It sets up a more sustainable future for the club, if they are to cut spending elsewhere.

Funding in the academy is a crucial step for the next owners, whoever they may be, with Abramovich previously outlining a dream of his in backing it. Eddie Newton, who was assistant manager to Roberto di Matteo as well as a regular in working with youngsters, explained the goal.

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