The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the 25-man Premier League squad Xabi Alonso will have at his disposal next season, with plenty of new signings already completed or expected to be made.
We have now seen the first outing under Alonso of a Chelsea side in pre-season, winning 6-4 over Western Sydney Wanderers.
While senior pros Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Jamie Gittens came on and changed the game, there were a number of impressive performances from the club’s youngsters too.
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A hat-trick in his first game under Alonso!
The positive for Alonso if he wants to use any of these players in the 2026/27 season, they will register as U21 players, and not take up a spot in the 25-man squad.
Predicting Xabi Alonso’s 25-man Chelsea Premier League squad
Alonso will need eight homegrown players in his side, however this will not be a problem at all following with the likes of Reece James, Pedro and Palmer all counting under this rule.
So, let’s predict the 25-man squad Alonso will name for action in his first season as a Premier League manager.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Goalkeepers
Mike Penders is expected to replace Filip Jorgensen in the first team setup this season, although he will count as an U21 star.
With talk of signing a new goalkeeper going quiet, it looks as if Robert Sanchez will remain the number one to start the season, with Teddy Sharman-Lowe now a senior pro as the third choice.
Senior goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez and Teddy Sharman-Lowe
Defenders
Thankfully for Chelsea, Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong and new signing Marco Palestra will not count as senior players, potentially helping at a time when they are struggling to shift a number of centre-backs.
As far as other new players go, Maxence Lacroix is expected to be announced as a new player any day, and we are tipping the Blues to get over the line with the signing of Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano.
Senior defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pep Chavarria
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Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
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Midfielders
After a transfer saga which began way before the summer window opened, we are expecting Enzo Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge and not get his move to Real Madrid.
He would then obviously be reintegrated into the first team squad, which looks set to be added to by experienced head Jordan Henderson.
There are also strong reports linking Alex Scott to Chelsea, and we are predicting this will be the last big signing of the Blues’ window.
Senior midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, Alex Scott
Bournemouth Training Session
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Attackers
Chelsea have already added Morgan Rogers to their attacking options for next season, and are closing in on the addition of Danny Welbeck for depth up front.
Promising young talents such as Geovany Quenda and Estevao remain under 21 and will not need to be named, despite the fact they are set to play key roles next season.
After the addition of Emmanuel Emegha, we are tipping the club to confirm the departure of Liam Delap, who struggled in pre-season action against Western Sydney Warriors.
Senior attackers: Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha
Full senior squad:
Robert Sanchez, Teddy Sharman-Lowe
Reece James, Malo Gusto, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pep Chavarria
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, Alex Scott
Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha
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