Manchester United, Chelsea Confirm Player Departures Ahead Of New Season

Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea have confirmed several player exits as both clubs begin preparations for the 2026/2027 campaign.

United announced earlier today, June 10, that six players will leave Old Trafford as free agents this summer, including former England international Jadon Sancho, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia.

The club also confirmed the departures of academy players Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe.

In a statement, United paid tribute to Casemiro’s contribution during his four-year spell at the club.

“Casemiro has enjoyed four seasons at the club, playing 160 games and scoring 26 goals. He played a major role in helping United win the 2023 Carabao Cup, scoring a header in a colossal performance against Newcastle United. The Brazil national team captain also won the Emirates FA Cup in 2024,” United announced..

“Tyrell Malacia joined United in 2022 and has made 50 first-team appearances. The full-back who has battled hard against a series of unfortunate injuries during his time at the club, featured three times this season. He was part of the matchday squad when we lifted the Carabao Cup in 2023.

“Jadon Sancho arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 and was also part of the 2023 Carabao Cup-winning side. The winger played 83 times for the club before he returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan and also made temporary moves to Chelsea and Aston Villa.”

Sancho’s departure brings an end to a mixed five-year association with the club, having spent recent seasons away on loan.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also confirmed four departures from Stamford Bridge following the release of their retained and released list.

The West London club revealed that Brodi Hughes, Richard Olise, Jimi Tauriainen and Sam Rak-Sakyi will leave when their contracts expire on June 30.

According to Chelsea, “Defender Brodi Hughes leaves the Blues after 13 years in our Academy.

“Hughes joined Chelsea as an Under-8 and progressed through the ranks at Cobham, spending the previous season on loan at League One side AFC Wimbledon.

“Richard Olise also moves on after a decade with the club.”

Olise joined Chelsea as an Under-9 and progressed through the academy system before earning inclusion in the first-team squad for a UEFA Conference League trip to Astana during the 2024/25 season.

Midfielder Rak-Sakyi also departs after making four senior appearances for the Blues. The England youth international made his debut in the UEFA Conference League against Noah and featured three more times in the competition during the 2024/25 campaign.

Tauriainen, who joined Chelsea in 2020, was previously named among the substitutes for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool in 2024.