Jesse Derry: I am full of hope for the future, and staying here has always been my firm choice.

Young winger Jesse Derry expressed his optimism for the future after signing a contract extension with Chelsea. Following the new deal, the youngster will join Sporting Lisbon on loan for the 2026/27 season, embarking on a new challenge in his professional career.  

Just 19 years old, Jesse Derry joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace last summer. In his first season at Stamford Bridge, the young winger quickly demonstrated his potential and won attention with his outstanding performances.  

Besides helping Chelsea U21 finish the season as Premier League champions, Jesse Derry also achieved a major breakthrough in his career. He made his first-team debut and went on to make three official appearances for the senior team.  

Jesse Derry made his first-team debut in an FA Cup away game against Hull City, a victory Chelsea won 4-0. He then made another substitute appearance in the same competition. Later, the young winger made his first Chelsea start, appearing at Stamford Bridge against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.  

Thanks to his impressive performances last season, Jesse Derry earned Chelsea's recognition and officially signed a contract extension with the club. Under the new contract, the young winger will play for Chelsea until at least 2032. After finalizing the extension, Derry said at the Cobham training ground: "To be able to stay at such a great club and entrust my future to Chelsea feels like a dream come true."  

"It's hard to imagine that such a moment would actually come, but when it happens, the feeling is truly indescribable. Now, I am full of expectations for the future. The club is developing a very long-term blueprint, and everyone is eager to help the team win important honors again, and I hope to be a part of it."  

“After getting first-team playing time and truly experiencing what it means to play for Chelsea, I can hardly imagine anywhere else that would be a better place for my development. Therefore, for me, staying here was a very natural and unhesitating decision.”  

Image source: Internet/Chelsea official website