Xabi Alonso could have enough players at his disposal on the first day of pre-season to host an in-house friendly.
12:23, 23 Jun 2026
Cole Palmer #10 of Chelsea FC arrives prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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Cole Palmer for Chelsea(Image: Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso could have as many as 23 players at his disposal when he walks through the doors at Cobham on July 1. The Chelsea manager will officially get his feet under the table at the start of next month as he looks to 'build the right culture and win trophies'.
Last month, upon signing a four-year contract with the Blues, Alonso expressed his pride in taking the reins and outlined his plan to deliver silverware to Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old also acknowledged the 'great talent' and 'huge potential' in the squad.
Eager to hit the ground running, he and his backroom staff have already familiarised themselves with the training base in Surrey, football.london understands. They visited for the sake of due diligence rather than to discuss plans for the transfer window.
That's not to say that they've ignored the elephant in the room. It's understood that Alonso has been in regular contact with the sporting leadership team, comprising Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows, ahead of a busy summer.
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The former Real Madrid boss will officially start his role at the start of next month, giving him and recruitment staff plenty of time to prepare for the new season. Alonso will begin by welcoming those not on international duty back to Cobham.
The Spaniard will have the chance to work closely with some big names who are likely to be among the first names on the teamsheet next season. Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were omitted from the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, so they're set for extra time on the training pitches with Alonso.
Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos were also left at home, having not been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil. Estevao Willian didn't make the squad either, as he continues to nurse a grade-four hamstring injury he suffered during the defeat to Manchester United in April.
Alonso will also have the chance to take a closer look at those who are fighting for a future at Chelsea. Emmanuel Emegha, who the Blues signed from Strasbourg last year, will battle it out with Marc Guiu and Liam Delap for the chance to deputise for the Brazilian up top.
The Blues are said to be in the market for a left-sided forward this summer, so Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens will need to make a great first impression. Not to mention Geovany Quenda, who will arrive as the ultimate Swiss Army Knife, potentially putting the futures of many in doubt.
Meanwhile, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia risk being overlooked for a promotion in the middle of the field, with Valentin Barco set to arrive after the World Cup, and Adam Wharton heavily linked. Alonso will welcome a handful of defenders back to Cobham on July 1, too.
Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana will join Colwill on the training pitches at the start of next month. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen will be under pressure to prove their worth, with Mike Penders in contention for significant minutes next term.
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Those who spent the season on loan and not at the World Cup could also be given a chance under Alonso. As it stands, it remains unclear where Tyrique George, Axel Disasi, Aaron Anselmino, and David Datro Fofana stand, but they will certainly be under the microscope.
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