(DDM) – Premier League giants Chelsea have officially confirmed that rising academy sensation Reggie Walsh has signed his first professional contract, solidifying his place among the club’s brightest young prospects.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the 17-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea as an Under-8 player, has developed rapidly through the ranks at Cobham, earning widespread praise for his technique, vision, and leadership on the pitch.
Walsh gained national attention last season when he made the leap from Chelsea’s Under-18s to the senior setup, impressing coaches with his calmness in possession and tactical awareness beyond his years.
He made his first-team debut in the UEFA Conference League against Swedish side Djurgården, coming off the bench before earning a start in the semi-final second leg.
That performance made him the third-youngest player ever to represent Chelsea at senior level, a record that underlined his rapid rise through the academy system.
Since signing his scholarship in July, Walsh has become a key figure for Chelsea’s Under-21 team, guided by coach Calum McFarlane, where his creativity and maturity have earned him consistent starts.
He also showcased his talent in Europe with a standout display during Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League victory over Bayern Munich, cementing his reputation as one of England’s most exciting teenage midfielders.
Walsh’s progression has continued this season, with the youngster regularly involved in first-team training sessions and matchday squads.
He featured on the bench during Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Benfica, came on as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win at Lincoln City, and made his Champions League debut at Stamford Bridge in a commanding 5–1 victory over Ajax.
According to club insiders who spoke to DDM, the decision to offer Walsh a professional deal reflects Chelsea’s renewed emphasis on homegrown development, a key pillar of the club’s long-term vision under manager Enzo Maresca and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
“This contract represents the next chapter in Reggie’s growth,” one Cobham academy coach said. “He has the right attitude, technical skill, and maturity to thrive at the highest level.”
For Walsh, the milestone marks both a reward for years of dedication and the start of a new challenge, competing for consistent first-team minutes at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.
Chelsea fans have celebrated the news online, with many seeing Walsh as part of the club’s next generation of homegrown stars, alongside talents like Alfie Gilchrist, Leo Castledine, and Alex Matos.
The West London club’s academy remains one of the most productive in European football, producing global names such as Mason Mount, Reece James, Tammy Abraham, and Conor Gallagher, all of whom began their journeys at Cobham.
With Walsh now officially tied to the club, Chelsea’s youth pipeline continues to look strong, reaffirming the Blues’ commitment to blending emerging talent with world-class experience in their quest for future success.