After a quite frankly horrendous 2025/26 season that saw Chelsea limp over the line in tenth place and miss out entirely on European football, optimism among supporters was at an all-time low in the BlueCo era. Chelsea fans unanimously supported the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Spaniard is starting to rebuild the Stamford Bridge squad. The signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a club record £117 million issued a statement of intent. Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, and most recently Maxence Lacroix have joined the Xabi Alonso revolution in West London. According to Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Chelsea will now switch their focus to “multiple defensive sales.”
Chelsea Build for Successful 2026/27 Season
Next Focus Area Identified
The signings from Alonso so far make sense. Palestra is attacking and will provide a vital outlet for The Blues. Lacroix will bring experience and physicality to the Chelsea team they lacked last season. Quenda is fast and skilful and will also prove to be a great outlet for Alonso’s team.
Read More:Xabi Alonso ‘Really Impressed’ With ‘Very Complete’ Youngster
Danny Welbeck is on the verge of joining, with this likely deal splitting opinion on social media among Chelsea fans. Looking at the deal, it’s a sensible recruit. He brings a wealth of experience, while being a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. Jordan Henderson also appears to be close to joining the Stamford Bridge revolution. He brings a wealth of know-how, having played at the highest level for a number of years. Welbeck, Henderson, and Lacroix should provide the leadership the team severely lacked last season.
Multiple Defenders Could Leave Chelsea
The Blues came into this window wanting to sign a versatile attacker and a new defender, and these roles have been filled.
According to Johnson, the club will now focus on shifting on a number of defenders still at the club. Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi have already been put up for sale, while Como remain interested in Trevoh Chalobah, and Mamadou Sarr being touted with a loan move to another English side.
Read More: Projected Chelsea Squad for 26/27 as of July 30
Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo endured difficult times last season, and both could now slip further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge with the arrival of new players.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Sebastian Frej