Chelsea have already begun expanding their squad early in the transfer window, but just as important as who comes in is who needs to go.
With 54 players currently under contract at Chelsea, the Blues squad is one of the largest in the Premier League and has been bloated for a long time.
High-profile moves have already been made, with Liam Delap joining Chelsea from relegated Ipswich Town. The Blues have also been linked with standout players Victor Osimhen and Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and qualifying for the Champions League, the Blues still carry dead weight in key areas. Cutting the squad won’t just ease wage pressure, it will also create clarity and space for younger players to thrive.
Noni Madueke
Madueke arrived from PSV with plenty of hype, but he’s struggled with his attitude and consistency in a Chelsea shirt. While the winger has shown flashes of flair, Madueke remains unreliable, and his decision-making has often frustrated fans and coaching staff.
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With Cole Palmer locking down the right-wing spot and Chelsea exploring other winger options, Madueke may find it harder to get minutes next season with the Delap signing.
At just 22, he retains resale value, and a move to a less pressurised environment could help him rediscover form.
Robert Sanchez
Signed to replace Kepa, Sanchez was expected to stand out between the posts. Instead, he’s looked clumsy on the ball and inconsistent in commanding his area, far from the standard required for a Champions League-level goalkeeper.
Sanchez conceded 34 goals in 32 Premier League games last season and is certainly not a fan favourite despite ending the season with the highest save percentage at 73.6% according to FOTMOB.
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With Djordje Petrović outperforming him and Maresca likely to demand a ball-playing keeper, there seems little reason to keep Sanchez around as a high-earning second-choice keeper.
A sale this summer could allow Chelsea to recoup funds and find a more suitable backup option.
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson’s raw talent is undeniable but Chelsea need more than flashes of brilliance in their Champions League campaign next season. The Senegalese striker missed far too many chances on goal last season, and while he bagged 10 league goals, his finishing remains erratic.
With Chelsea linked to Benjamin Šeško and other top-tier forwards, Jackson may struggle to retain a starting spot. If a decent offer comes in, now might be the right time to move on.
He’s still young, but Chelsea cannot afford another season of missed opportunities up front.
Joao Felix
Joao Felix has had an unconventional time at Chelsea, being sold to Atlético Madrid, returning and then going out again on loan at AC Milan.
In 15 Serie A appearances, Felix hasn’t massively impressed, only putting his name on the scoresheet twice.
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The Portuguese attacking-midfielder has struggled in the past to fit into the chemistry of Chelsea’s squad and has no clear starting position at the club if he were to return.
Raheem Sterling
Out on loan to London rivals Arsenal, Sterling has failed to make any meaningful impact. With 17 appearances and only two assists to his name, it appears Mikel Arteta has no plans to make the move permanent next season.
Another loan looks likely for Sterling who has two years left on his Chelsea contract. But with limited interest due to a large wage, Chelsea may struggle to offload the England forward.