Chelsea announce major signing as potential Marc Cucurella successor amid clear transfer signal.
Chelsea Academy Talent Signs Long-Term Deal
Ishe Samuels-Smith, a promising defender from Chelsea’s academy, has officially signed a six-year contract with the club. The announcement came on Tuesday, shortly after he completed a full match for the Under-21 squad in their victory over Crystal Palace.
Although Samuels-Smith has not yet featured for Chelsea’s senior team, he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents at the club. He made the switch from Everton in 2023.
The 18-year-old is capable of playing both as a centre-back and left-back. Known for his composure and technical skills, he is just as strong in possession as he is in defence. Having represented England at the Under-19 level, he has built a reputation for his confident displays and solid physical presence. His ability to handle one-on-one situations and contribute offensively from wide positions has earned him widespread praise.
In the recent 4-2 win over Crystal Palace in Premier League 2, Samuels-Smith played a key role in two of the goals, providing clever passes down the flank that set up teammates Ronnie Stutter and Donnell McNeilly. While he has yet to make a senior appearance, he has been named on the bench three times this season.
His new deal, which ties him to the club until 2031, is a testament to his development and performances at youth level. Since joining, he has progressed rapidly, moving from the Under-18s to the Under-21s, where he has become a regular under coach Filipe Coelho. So far this season, he has made 21 appearances in PL2 and the EFL Trophy, scoring twice and assisting four goals. He has also captained the side on multiple occasions, indicating his leadership qualities and growing influence.
Although Chelsea brought in Renato Veiga last summer—who was later loaned to Juventus—Samuels-Smith has not yet made a breakthrough into the senior squad. He currently sits behind Marc Cucurella in the pecking order, as well as Reece James and Malo Gusto, who have occasionally played out of position under head coach Enzo Maresca.
Despite the competition, Samuels-Smith is aiming to eventually compete for the left-back role, especially after Chelsea’s sale of fellow academy graduates Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen—both natural left-backs—for over £75 million combined.
Chelsea’s upcoming Conference League match against Legia Warsaw might have been an ideal debut opportunity. However, Samuels-Smith is ineligible for the tournament as he does not meet UEFA’s B-list requirements, which necessitate two years of continuous registration at the club prior to the season’s start.
Other academy players may be given a chance instead. Sam Rak-Sakyi was on the bench during the previous leg in Poland, while 17-year-old forward Shumaira Mheuka also made a substitute appearance.
