Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
With all the incomings at Chelsea, we are starting to see a clear picture being painted around some of Xabi Alonso’s first-team players.
Chelsea have a serious game of musical chairs on their hands. Premier League rules strictly cap first-team squads at 25 players, but Chelsea’s dressing room has felt like a crowded tube carriage with over 40 players on the books right now.
To avoid paying high wages to players sitting in the stands, the Blues are desperately trying to trim the squad before deadline day. Outcasts like Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Filip Jorgensen, and David Datro Fofana are all heading toward the exit door.
But it may not stop there, as there’s also the opportunity to send players out on loan too.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Dario Essugo could be on his way out of Chelsea
Since arriving from Sporting CP in summer 2025, Dario Essugo’s Chelsea spell has been heavily disrupted by injuries, restricting him to just a handful of substitute appearances.
He’s finally built up precious minutes under Xabi Alonso this pre-season, starting and scoring in a 45-minute display against Western Sydney before featuring again against Tottenham.
However, a loan move may be on the cards.
According to Nizaar Kinsella, Dario Essugo was previously told he would be staying but is open to a loan move because of his need for regular football after an injury-hit campaign.
Dario Essugo of Chelsea
Photo by Ayush Kumar/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Why is Essugo not needed?
Well, Chelsea have already got the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez as the guaranteed starting pair in midfield, which doesn’t even take Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson or Romeo Lavia into consideration, so it’s not as if they’re short on options.
Essugo’s injury situation is also still a factor and he’s young, so there’s no need to risk him sitting on the bench wasting away when he could be gaining valuable experience at a loan club.
After all, it’s just domestic league and cup competitions this season for the Blues, so there’s no need for a bloated squad.