Chelsea sell longest-serving player after eight years at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Baba Rahman to Greek side PAOK, bringing to an end his eight-year spell with the club.

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Rahman joined Chelsea in 2015 from Augsburg for a fee of around £14million, and was viewed as one to watch for the future.

He made 23 appearances across all competitions in his debut season but that would be the last time he ever played for the Blues, with a series of loan spells across Europe to follow.

The left-wingback spent two-and-a-half years at Schalke before heading to Reims, Mallorca, PAOK and finally two seasons with Reading in the Championship.

Injuries have blighted the 29-year-old’s career and despite still having a year left on his contract, Chelsea have allowed him to return to PAOK, where he won the 2021 Greek Cup, on a free transfer.

‘We wish Baba well as he begins the next chapter of his career,’ a short statement on the club’s website read on Monday.

Prior to his exit, Rahman had technically been Chelsea’s longest-serving player, despite having not made an appearance for them in seven years.

It should be noted that the Ghana international only very recently inherited that title from former captain Cesar Azpilicueta who left Stamford Bridge after 11 years for Atletico Madrid just four days ago.

The mantle now passes to another unlikely and forgotten player: Ethan Ampadu.

The Welsh international made his senior debut for the Blues six years ago aged just 16, but has made just 12 appearances for them in total – with just one coming in the Premier League.

Like Rahman he has spent much of his career out on loan, though has not had much luck, suffering three consecutive relegations, first with Sheffield United and then in Serie A with Venezia and Spezia.

With just one-year left on his contract, Ampadu is also expected to depart west London for good this summer, as Mauricio Pochettino continues his clear out.

10 players have so far been sold or released, with over £188m raised in sales.

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