Premier League giants Chelsea have, on Thursday, confirmed the release of a one-time big-money arrival at the club.
The player in question? Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Midfielder Bakayoko, of course, first put pen to terms with Chelsea all the way back in 2017, amid widespread fanfare.
Fresh off establishing himself as one of the most highly-regarded talents in his home country of France, owing to his performances at the base of that AS Monaco side, the powers that be at Stamford Bridge agreed to fork out a fee in the region of £40 million for the Rennes youth product’s signature.
To say that his time in England subsequently proved a disappointment, however, would be something of an understatement.
All told, Bakayoko managed just 29 league appearances in Chelsea colours, farmed out on loan on no fewer than four occasions over the last five years.
Bakayoko’s time back with his long-time parent club, though, is set to prove short-lived.
This comes with Chelsea, on Thursday evening, having altogether unsurprisingly made official news of Bakayoko’s departure as a free agent.
‘The list of players retained by Chelsea for the 2023/24 season has been published by the Premier League, with Tiemoue Bakayoko’s departure from the club now confirmed.
‘We thank Tiemoue for his contribution during his season at Stamford Bridge’, the Blues announced.
The list of players retained for the 2023/24 season has been published, with Tiemoue Bakayoko’s departure from the club now confirmed.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2023
Chelsea star to ask Mauricio Pochettino for position change next season
Arsenal identify the player they want to partner with Declan Rice