Chelsea vs Real Sociedad
Chelsea vs Real Sociedad
Hello and welcome to the football.london blog, bringing you everything you need to know as it happens from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea wrap up pre-season with a friendly against Real Sociedad.
This afternoon's clash against Real Sociedad will be the last friendly of the summer. It will also be the first time that Xabi Alonso leads his side out in front of a home crowd.
The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Mondau August 24, when they travel to London rivals Fulham.
So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we bring you all the latest news and matches updates LIVE from Stamford Bridge...
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Shay Given urged Chelsea to get on the phone to Jordan Pickford. The former Premier League goalkeeper said: "It is strange that we haven’t heard of other clubs moving in for him during that time.
"Maybe he’s just really well-settled at Everton. We obviously don’t know if there have been bids for Jordan over the years, but there’s usually a sort of goalkeeper merry-go-round some summers, like how we talk about managers moving on.
"Jordan has been in the game for so long you think he must be 34 or 35 but he’s only 32. I moved to Manchester City when I was 33 and goalkeepers in general get better with age as well. He’s got many years left at the top level but maybe Jordan is happy where he is.
"You’d think Chelsea would be on the phone tomorrow and jump at the chance to sign him if he gave them any encouragement..."
Jordan Pickford of Everton
Jordan Pickford of Everton(Image: Ben Roberts/Every Second Media/SmartFrame)
Ruud Gullit has tipped Cole Palmer to return to his very best this season. Speaking to NY Sports Day, the former Chelsea midfielder and boss said: "I watched Cole Palmer against Paris Saint-Germain (in last season’s Champions League second leg, Chelsea losing 0-3), and he struggled more in that match than in any other.
"In hindsight, the manager should have moved him out to the right flank rather than keeping him central, because he couldn't cope with the central tempo that night. Starting out wide would have allowed him to drift inside on his terms.
"That match should be his primary learning reference. He needs to rewatch it and ask himself honestly: 'What could I have done better to control the tempo?'
"If he processes those lessons, he'll take another massive step forward, because the raw ability is undeniably there. Alonso played at the highest level for elite clubs.
"Alonso wasn't the fastest player either, but he possessed an elite football IQ. He read the game early and anticipated play to avoid getting trapped in high-pressure zones. Palmer needs to cultivate that same anticipatory vision..."
Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer of Chelsea FC pose with the trophy after winning the Indonesia Super Cup 2026 during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia
Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer following Chelsea's win over AC Milan(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
football.london understands that Pedro Neto is available for sale this summer. The 26-year-old winger has attracted interest from at least four Premier League clubs, with Man City among those, and Chelsea will sell but only for the right price.
While sources wouldn't disclose exactly what fee it would take, they pointed towards the market being inflated due to Yan Diomande's £120m move to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain demanding £145m for Bradley Barcola...
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto could leave Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window(Image: Izzy Poles - AMA)
Speaking to CFC+, Cole Palmer recalled when he found out that Morgan Rogers was going to join Chelsea. The Blues talisman said: "He messaged me saying 'where are you?' and he was with England, so I didn’t know why he was thinking about where I was.
"I got a missed call, and he messaged me straight away that I had five minutes to ring him back. I’m thinking, 'he must need to tell me something'. I went downstairs, and I rang him. He told me he was coming, but I didn’t believe him at first. He told me, and I was gassed."
On the 'cold' celebration, Palmer added: "I can’t remember how it came about, we were speaking about it and he told me to do it. He did it first.
"He played midweek, then we played Luton on the Saturday and I told him I was going to do it. I bet he wishes I didn’t do it now! He did it first, but I made it famous! That’s the truth. He says that as well!"
Cole Palmer of Chelsea attends a press conference at Sky Park on July 31, 2026 in Sydney, Australia
Cole Palmer will soon feature alongside Morgan Rogers(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
football.london understands that Liam Delap could be one of several Chelsea players to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window. The 23-year-old striker, whom the Blues signed from Ipswich Town for £30m last summer, has interest from overseas, as well as numerous Premier League clubs.
Chelsea, sources close to the situation say, want in excess of £50m for Delap. The Blues are keen to make a substantial profit on the Englishman despite scoring just two goals in 41 appearances across all competitions in his debut season.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap
Liam Delap could be sold this summer(Image: Qin Zhicheng/VCG)
Ruud Gullit has backed Jorrel Hato to take his game to the next level under Xabi Alonso. Speaking to NY Sports Day, the Blues legend said: "I hope Jorrel Hato does well.
"Hato is a talented player. At times, I felt he moved too early in his career, but circumstances change. He has a good coach now, so he needs to prove himself to earn his place, which will also benefit the national team.
"It’s good for a player when there’s a bit of competition. You need to show the right temperament and attitude to look at your teammate and fight for your place in the starting eleven.
"Hato has one more year behind him, he’ll be better equipped for the Premier League this year..."
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato is set for a big role at Chelsea in the upcoming season(Image: Brendon Thorne)
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to the football.london blog, bringing you all the latest match updates LIVE from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea lock horns with Real Sociedad. At 2pm (BST), Xabi Alonso will lead the Blues out in front of a home crowd for the very first time!
Stay tuned for updates.
Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso was appointed as Chelsea manager earlier this summer.(Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)