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He might have become something of an outcast at Chelsea, but that has not stopped the forgotten man Jimi Tauriainen from starring for his country during the international break.
Now 22, Tauriainen is one of Chelsea’s longest-serving players having joined the club in the summer of 2020 as a 16-year-old from HJK Helsinki. But his six years at Chelsea have resulted in two senior games.
Tauriainen played twice under Mauricio Pochettino. Both came in the second half of the 2023-24 season, as late substitutes against Tottenham in the Premier League and Leeds United in the FA Cup for Chelsea.
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But the Finnish talent suffered an ACL injury in July 2024, the worst possible timing, having made his Blues debut. He only returned to training a year ago and, now 22, is only given the odd U21 outing at Chelsea.
Jimi Tauriainen scores stunning free-kick on Finland duty
Since the turn of the year, Tauriainen has only managed one single outing in a Chelsea shirt, during an U21 win over Blackburn in which he scored. But given his age, he now counts as an overage player.
It meant the international break could not come soon enough for the attacking midfielder, allowing him to get some game time with Finland’s U21 side. He was a sub in an 8-0 win over San Marino last week.
Then, on Tuesday evening, Tauriainen came off the bench for a second time and scored a stunning free-kick as Finland’s U21 side continued their fine start to qualifying with a superb 3-0 win over Cyprus.
The caption reads: “Jimi Tauriainen’s left foot is so good to admire”.
Tauriainen’s future at Chelsea and contract status
Fit again ahead of the most recent window, reports said that Tauriainen was expected to leave the club during the winter window. It was reported again on deadline day that Tauriainen would be on his way.
But nothing emerged, and the Finnish player has remained at Stamford Bridge. As things stand, he will remain on the books until the summer of 2027, meaning he has a year left to run on his contract.
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However, it is easy to imagine Tauriainen leaving Chelsea this summer, and it is highly unlikely that the Blues will request a fee or step in his way. Goals like his free-kick for Finland will help him find a club.
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