Kenyan forward among 13 players released by Chelsea

FOOTBALL Kenyan forward among 13 players released by Chelsea

Mark Kinyanjui 09:46 - 17.06.2023

Reports suggest Otieno could soon join newly-promoted Sheffield United.

Chelsea have released 13 players ahead of the 2023/24 season with Kenyan winger Thomas Silko Amari Otieno among those shown the door at Stamford Bridge.

In January, Otieno was on trial with Sheffield United, as the Blades were looking to snap up another promising young talent but the move did not materialise.

The 18-year-old is predominantly a wingback who can play on both sides and has contributed to the U21 side at times at the Bridge.

Otieno has represented England at the U15 and the U18 level, where he has amassed three caps for the development side.

He has made six appearances for the Chelsea U21 side in the Premier League 2 and four with the Under 18s in the UEFA Youth League.

Joining Otieno out the Chelsea door is former France and Monaco midfielder Timoue Bakayoko, who failed to get going under Antonio Conte at the club before being subjected to a series of loans in France and Italy.

His first season in west London saw him scoop the FA Cup where he started in the 1-0 final victory against Manchester United.

However, that turned out to be the last of his 43 appearances for Chelsea.

He helped the San Siro outfit win the Scudetto in 2022, but was a peripheral figure in the race.

The other players are right-back Dujon Sterling, who will link up with Rangers, goalkeeper Nathan Baxter and defenders Henry Lawrence and Juan Carlos Familia-Castillo.

Chelsea have also confirmed they will be parting ways with Derrick Abu, Prince Adegoke, Bryan Fiabema, Joe Haigh, Sam McClelland, Ethan Wady and Jayden Wareham.