"Grateful for the Journey: Chelsea Academy Star Bids Farewell to Fans as He Joins AC Milan"

CHELSEA academy star Yahya Idrissi has penned a short goodbye to the Blues on social media after seven years at the club.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the wing, has joined European giants in a

Yahya Idrissi starred for Chelsea FC U19 during the Otten Cup in EindhovenCredit: Getty He was a popular figure in and around CobhamCredit: Getty

He signed his first professional contract with the club just 10 months ago, in April 2025, and is expected to become a Moroccan international, having been first called up to the national team’s under-17 setup at just 13-years-old.

He is one of two Cobham starlets expected to represent the Atlas Lions rather than the Three Lions,

But now they will follow different paths at club level, with Rabbaj expected to become a Blues first teamer in the coming seasons.

Alongside two pictures from his time at , one when he joined as an 11-year-old, and one from this season, Idrissi wrote on Instagram: “Thankful for the journey and everyone who played a part in it at Chelsea. Onwards.”

He was wished the best of luck by his fans and teammates alike in the comments section, including Blues , and Chizzy Ezenwata.

Idrissi was well-liked by many at Cobham, and had a good friendship with and , rocking up to a FootballerFits red carpet event with the duo at the end of last year.

Chelsea released a statement on their website confirming the news, and wishing the youngster all the best.

It reads: “Yahya Idrissi has completed a permanent transfer to club AC Milan.

“The versatile forward joined our Academy from United aged 11 and was developed through the youth ranks at Cobham.

“Idrissi was heavily involved in our Under-17 Premier League Cup win during the 2023/24 campaign and made his Under-18s debut that season, scoring once in four appearances.

“He continued to feature for our Under-18s in the 2024/25 campaign, during which the youth international signed his first professional contract with the Blues.

“We thank Yahya for his efforts throughout his time in our Academy and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

AC Milan have also confirmed his arrival, and that he will be a player for the future, rather than their first team.

The Italian giants said: “AC Milan is pleased to announce the signing of Yahya Idrissi, who will be part of the Milan Futuro Project, dedicated to the growth and development of youth talents.

“The 2007-born midfielder joins the Rossoneri from Chelsea FC.”

Milan should be a good fit for Idrissi.

The youngster will fit right in the world’s fashion capital, and on the pitch he will have several ex-Cobham products to learn from and hang around with.

and are both regulars at the club, having come through the Blues’ academy setup.