Who is Heze Grimwade? The new Cole Palmer that has six G+A in five Chelsea U18 games
While Xabi Alonso has an abundance of players in his Chelsea squad, he lacks attacking midfielders; players that can provide cover for Cole Palmer – but Heze Grimwade might just do that in the future.
Still only 16, Heze Grimwade has been on fire for Chelsea’s U18 side this season and an U21 debut is expected to arrive for the youngster in due course. Xabi Alonso will certainly have his eye on things.
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Alonso has already shown a willingness to promote youth despite the wealth of talent he has in the first team. Reggie Watson made his debut, also 16, for the first team in the Carabao Cup win against Leeds.
So, who is Heze Grimwade? Below, we profile Chelsea’s next talent and how he could be the man to provide some cover for Palmer in the next few years, judging by his start to the 2026-27 campaign.
Five facts on Heze Grimwade after stunning Chelsea U18 start
Heze Grimwade’s incredible start to the 2026-27 season
Coming into the season, Grimwade had managed just two goals in 17 appearances for Chelsea’s U18 side – failing to lay on an assist. But in his five outings this season, Grimwade has taken his form to a new level.
Three goals and three assists this season, after scoring in big Premier League U18 wins against Brighton, Reading and Birmingham City. He also got three assists as well as scoring in the 6-1 win against Reading.
Where Grimwade plays and how he could be the next Palmer
Naturally a playmaker, 16-year-old Grimwade has also been used as a right-winger. This season, he has operated in both positions in Dan Hogan’s side, much like Cole Palmer in Alonso’s senior side.
Don’t be surprised to see Grimwade make his U21 debut over the course of the season, and push nearer Alonso’s first team. In two or three years, there’s no reason why Grimwade couldn’t be Palmer’s back-up.
Just how young was Grimwade when he made his U18 debut
Incredibly, Grimwade has now been with Chelsea’s U18 side since he was 14. The youngster actually made his debut two years ago for Chelsea’s youngsters, starting in a win against Leicester in February 2025.
For now, Grimwade will be looking to continue producing the numbers he is providing for Hogan’s side over the course of the next few months. But his eye will certainly be on a debut with Harry Hudson’s 21s.
England caps and international future
Grimwade’s impressive form has not only caught the eye of those at Chelsea. The Woolwich-born teen has been with Chelsea since he was eight, and England have got a tight stronghold on the player’s future.
Five England U16 caps have been afforded to Grimwade so far. But the attacker can also play for Jamaica. Given his birthplace and his caps for the U16s so far, Grimwade looks as though he will focus on England.
Grimwade’s contract at Chelsea
Chelsea know they have a player on their hands and it will come as no surprise that he is contracted to the Blues for a while. Before the age of 18, clubs can only hand three-year deals to their players.
Grimwade is contracted to the club until the summer of 2028, giving him the freedom and time to shine in Chelsea’s academy. He will be hoping to get Alonso’s attention over the course of the next few years.
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