Story byOfficial: Chelsea announce deal for talented attacking midfielderThe Chelsea NewsWed, January 21, 2026 at 8:15 AM UTC·2 min readChelsea have confirmed talented attacking Ibrahim Rabbaj has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old has been at Chelsea from under-12 level after joining from Crystal Palace, and is one of the most exciting academy players at the club. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Blues are renowned for having one of the best academies in the world, with Reece James, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah a big part of the first team set-up. Ibrahim Rabbaj signs first professional with ChelseaJosh Acheampong and Tyrique George were promoted to the first team squad last season, and despite Chelsea’s recruitment being heavily youth focused, if you are good enough there’s opportunities. Rabbaj could be the next talent to make the step up to the first team in the near future and the 17-year-old has seven goals and two assists in 16 appearances for Chelsea’s youth teams. Rabbaj has signed his first professional contract with Chelsea. (Photo by Chelsea FC)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe youngster is yet to make his first team debut, but the Blues clearly believe in his talent, and Chelsea confirmed Rabbaj has signed his first professional contract until 2028. The reason the deal is only three years is because that’s the maximum contract length you can sign as a 17-year-old. Rabbaj’s contract follows a first professional contract for talented winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen whilst talented centre back Olutayo Subuloye has also signed a new deal. Chelsea looking to sell Tyrique GeorgeWhilst Chelsea have tied down two exciting attacking talents to their first professional contracts, the Blues are looking to move George on. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGeorge came through the academy, but has struggled for regular minutes this season, and is expected to leave before the end of the window. More Stories / Latest NewsOfficial: Chelsea announce deal for talented attacking midfielder 21st Jan 2026, 08:15am“Agree deal with Chelsea” – Fabrizio Romano confirms third player set to leave Stamford Bridge this month 21st Jan 2026, 07:45amChelsea player is named as Bournemouth’s Plan B option for this transfer window 21st Jan 2026, 07:30amLiam Rosenior admitted he wasn’t sure if George was part of his plans, and the winger saw a move to Fulham fall through on deadline day. However, no offers have been received yet, and it will be interesting to see what clubs come forward before the end of the window.
