Enzo Maresca will be delighted as contract update emerges with Chelsea wonderkid

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It should be excellent news for Enzo Maresca to hear one Chelsea youngster is on the verge of signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

The job that Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, 45, has done in promoting talents from the Chelsea academy into the first team is underrated. For instance, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George both stepped up from the Under-21s side to the senior group on a permanent basis in 2025.

Last season, Maresca used plenty of academy talents, particularly in the Conference League competition. It may be a little harder to replicate that in the 2025-26 campaign.

It is encouraging to see Chelsea teenager Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has trained with the first team during October’s international break. The pathway from the academy to the senior group must remain open.

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Reggie Walsh to sign first professional contract with Chelsea

According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea youngster Reggie Walsh will pen his first professional contract at Stamford Bridge next week.

Apparently, the 16-year-old midfielder will put pen to paper on a pre-agreed deal after his 17th birthday, which is next Monday.

The report adds that the Blues have been keen to secure the teenager’s future as soon as possible because he’s deemed mature beyond his years. Also, Chelsea boss Maresca is believed to be a particular fan of the English prospect.

Walsh has already made three first-team appearances at Chelsea, including in this season’s Carabao Cup victory against Lincoln City. He was even on the bench in the Champions League for the Benfica victory, too.

The youngster is a deep-lying playmaker who shines at youth level as a defensive midfielder and he’s not looked overawed in possession at first-team level.

What Reece James said about Reggie Walsh last season

It must have been a huge boost for Walsh when he received the seal of approval from Blues captain Reece James last term.

James admitted that Walsh surprised him with his impressive display in Europe against Djurgarden. He said: “I’ve seen him in training but training and games is different but this is the first time I have seen him play. I didn’t realise how good he actually was.”

The youngster’s aim this season should be to continue his development with the U21s side while also making the most of any chances to work with Maresca’s first team.