Chelsea set for huge unexpected windfall from player who only played once for club

Chelsea are in line to make a tidy sum from a player who made just a single appearance for the club.

The Blues have become experts in selling players who have barely played for them for significant sums and that is set to continue with news that Diego Moreira has signed for AC Milan.

Moreira, a Belgium international, has completed a £56 million switch to the Rossoneri and penned a five-year contract until 2031.

He has joined from Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, who have also inserted a sell-on clause as part of the deal.

Chelsea sold Moreira to their partner club for just £1.7 million back in 2024. But it's believed that they included a sell-on clause, meaning they are set to receive a windfall from his move to Milan.

The exact percentage or amount is not known, but the insertion of the clause appears to be a smart decision given Moreira played just once for Chelsea.

He signed from Benfica on a free transfer in 2023 after his contract expired.

Moreira made his debut the following month, playing 45 minutes in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon.

Diego Moreira played one game for Chelsea. Image: Getty

However, it was to be his only appearance for the club as he was loaned out to Lyon for the season in September.

A recall came in January 2024 but did not result in any more first-team minutes. Instead, he played regularly for the club's Under-21 side.

It was at Strasbourg where he flourished, helping them finish seventh and securing Conference League football under Liam Rosenior prior to him taking the Chelsea job in January 2026.

Moreira made 42 appearances in all competitions as Strasbourg reached a European semi-final but will now embark on the next step in his career in Italy after becoming the French club's record sale.

Having switched allegiance from Portugal to Belgium, Moreira played in the World Cup in the 3-2 round of 32 comeback win over Senegal.

At Milan, where he will play under Ruben Amorim, he has already received a huge honour after being given the No.22 shirt previously won by 2007 Ballon d'Or winner Kaka.

Commenting on his move, Moreira said: "I'm excited and also a little incredulous, because when you talk about AC Milan you talk about trophies, history and all the great champions who have played here. It's a great club: you know what they expect from you and I believe this is the right time to come here.

"It's very important to me that people understand that I'm a lad who likes to joke around, but who is also extremely focused and who, on the pitch, gives everything for his team-mates, the fans and the club. That will never change, because it's been part of me since I was little."