Chelsea face key decisions about their squad in this summer’s transfer window ahead of the Club World Cup and UCL qualification.
Chelsea enter the 2025/26 season with a return to Champions League football and a squad in need of trimming.
After sealing a top-four finish and lifting the UEFA Conference League, expectations are high, and with new arrivals like Estevão Willian and Liam Delap’s move already confirmed, the pressure is on to clear space for fresh talent.
With a mix of ageing stars, injury-prone names and youth in need of development, it’s time to decide who should stay and who should be moved on from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Filip Jørgensen – Keep
Stepping up as first-choice goalkeeper in Chelsea’s Conference League campaign, Jørgensen impressed with his composure and shot-stopping, recording five clean sheets in the competition.
The 23-year-old made crucial saves in the final against Real Betis, keeping the scoreline manageable in the first half to aid the Chelsea comeback.
Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Djordje Petrović – Keep
After an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg, Petrović has made a strong case to return and compete for the No.1 spot at Stamford Bridge. Despite interest from Aston Villa and AC Milan in the background, the attraction of Champions League football may be enough to keep him at the club.
Robert Sánchez – Sell
Despite boasting the best save percentage of any Premier League goalkeeper last season, Robert Sánchez’s struggles with passing accuracy and crucial shot-stopping moments have cost Chelsea.
His pass completion rate of just 69.7% highlights ongoing issues with distribution from the back.
The Spanish goalkeeper should be sold, with those funds potentially proving vital for Chelsea in the long run.
Malo Gusto – Keep
During Reece James’ countless injury absences, Malo Gusto stepped up impressively in the right-back position, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
While James is currently fit, his track record suggests future setbacks are likely, making it essential for Chelsea to retain reliable depth in that role.
Benoît Badiashile – Sell
Highly criticised by fans, Benoît Badiashile has not shown the consistency expected at the top level. Badiashile impressed in the Conference League final but has made crucial mistakes throughout the season, leading to goals against his side.
Reece James – Keep
Homegrown Chelsea talent Reece James remains a fan favourite, but his persistent injury issues have limited him to just 10 league appearances last season.
With the risk of setbacks ahead of the Club World Cup, he’s undoubtedly a gamble to keep in the squad. When fit, James offers world-class quality and leadership that few in the current side can replicate.
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Wesley Fofana – Sell
Arguably one of Chelsea’s best centre-backs, but with fitness issues, Wesley Fofana will struggle to keep his place in the squad. Discipline issues have caused a dislike among fans as the defender has picked up seven cards in only 14 league appearances.
Signed for a hefty £75m, it is unlikely Chelsea will make a profit on the Frenchman, but cutting losses now may free up funds and space for a more reliable defensive option.
Levi Colwill – Loan
There’s no denying Levi Colwill’s talent. He’s strong, composed and technically sound but his temperament has raised eyebrows at times, with lapses in focus and moments of frustration costing the team in key matches.
Still only 21, a loan move could give him the consistent minutes and maturity he needs before stepping up as a Chelsea starter.
Marc Cucurella – Keep
Cucurella’s adaptability has allowed him to feature in multiple defensive roles and has become especially valuable during Chelsea’s injury crises, covering at both left-back and centre-back.
The Euros winner’s contract takes him to 2028, and Chelsea should have no desire to sell Cucurella.
Trevoh Chalobah – Sell
Recalled from a promising loan spell at Crystal Palace, but will likely not get the minutes he would like at Chelsea. Chalobah is undeniably a technically skilled player, but has a lot of competition to become a regular first-team starter.
Axel Disasi – Sell
Nicknamed ‘Disaster’ by Chelsea fans online, Axel Disasi enjoyed a better stint at loan club Aston Villa, who, according to The Athletic, have decided against a permanent move for the defender.
The 27-year-old has not been a regular starter for the club, but his leadership qualities off the pitch have made him valuable to Chelsea.
He has shown a lot of potential in the Conference League, and signed on a free transfer last summer, it’s unlikely that Chelsea will be looking to sell Tosin.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong – Keep
Under Enzo Maresca, the youngster has made seven Conference League appearances, showing a lot of potential in major quarter and semi-final matches.
His composure under pressure and confidence on the ball suggest he could develop into a reliable defensive option, but he will need more Premier League minutes.
Renato Viega – Sell
Despite flashes of talent, Renato Viega hasn’t made the impact many hoped for since arriving at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese midfielder has struggled to break into the first team and lacks the consistency needed to compete at Chelsea’s level.
Alfie Gilchrist – Sell
The 21-year-old made a loan move to Sheffield United and made 30 Championship appearances and assisted two goals before having to sit out the second half of the season due to injury.
Chelsea should look to cash in on Gilchrist, who has one year left on his Blues contract.
Moises Caicedo – Keep
Under contract until 2031, Chelsea’s player of the season is unlikely to be making a move anytime soon.
An undeniable force in midfield.
Enzo Fernandez – Keep
Chelsea’s record signing has had a mixed spell at the club so far, but Enzo Fernández remains a cornerstone for the Blues’ long-term midfield vision.
Under Maresca’s possession-based style, Chelsea must build their midfield around him.
Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Lesley Ugochukwu – Sell
In an unsuccessful loan to relegated Southampton it is unlikely that Lesley Ugochukwu will get to see many minutes at Chelsea and it would be a smart move to cash in on him in this summer window.
Romeo Lavia – Loan
When fit, Romeo Lavia is a truly talented player. With Chelsea yet to unlock his full potential due to injuries and limited minutes, a loan move to gain consistent first-team experience could be the ideal next step.
Sending Lavia out for a season could allow him to improve his match fitness and return as a more complete midfielder.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Keep
Signed from Leicester City, Dewsbury-Hall has thrived under Enzo Maresca in the Championship. The midfielder combines relentless energy with attacking intent and his understanding of Maresca’s system gives him a natural edge.
Despite a challenging season for the midfielder, he is certainly worth keeping on as his play develops. Possibly not a Champions League starter for the club.
Pedro Neto – Keep
Despite another injury-hit campaign, Pedro Neto showed flashes of brilliance in a Chelsea shirt. Scoring an incredible goal against Fulham, he reminded Chelsea of what he’s capable of when fit.
The Portuguese winger made 26 appearances in all competitions, contributing 4 goals and 7 assists. If he can stay healthy, he remains one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
Noni Madueke – Keep
Noni Madueke had a breakout 2024/25 season, registering 11 goals and 4 assists across all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick against Wolves in August, earning him a senior England call-up.
While there have been reports of attitude concerns in training, Madueke’s on-field contributions highlight his potential. With the arrival of Brazilian prospect Estêvão Willian, Madueke’s experience will be valuable in maintaining depth and competition on the wing.
Nicolas Jackson – Sell
The arrival of Ipswich striker Liam Delap could put the pressure of competition on Nicolas Jackson, but as an inconsistent striker, it would make sense for Chelsea to clear some room at the front.
Despite finishing the 2024/25 season with 14 goals in all competitions, Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency in front of goal and heavy first touch often left fans frustrated. Signed for £32m from Villarreal in 2023, Jackson may still hold strong market value.
Cole Palmer – Keep
Signed from Manchester City in 2023 for £40m, Cole Palmer burst onto the scene with a stunning debut season, ending as Chelsea’s top scorer.
Despite a slight dip in form recently, he remains Chelsea’s best player and fan favourite. Palmer is under contract until 2030, and Chelsea clearly see him as a long-term cornerstone.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku – Sell
Definitely a talented player, but struggling to find a place in Chelsea’s system, Nkunku looks sure to leave the club in the transfer window. The striker only made 27 league appearances last season, and according to talkSPORT, he will leave Chelsea this summer.
Joao Felix – Sell
Joao Felix is a player who has had an unconventional time at the club, leaving on loan to AC Milan only half a season into a seven-year contract. Chelsea will have a hard time finding a club willing to pay the fee, but it’s clear that he doesn’t fit into the club’s plans.
Tyrique George – Loan
Academy graduate Tyrique George has shown promise in his limited first-team opportunities, scoring his first senior goal in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw.
While George has potential, a loan move to gain regular first-team experience would be beneficial for his development.
Raheem Sterling – Sell
Sent out on loan to London rivals Arsenal last season, Raheem Sterling failed to make the kind of impact that would justify a permanent move. Used mostly as a rotational option, the winger struggled for consistency and didn’t register a single goal in the Premier League across his appearances at the Emirates.
Despite a strong start at Chelsea after signing from Manchester City for around £47.5 million in 2022, Sterling’s influence has rapidly declined. With Arsenal unlikely to make the deal permanent and Chelsea pushing to freshen up their attack, this summer is the time to cut ties.
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