A great 24/25 season resulted in Chelsea claiming their status back in the Champions League by securing 4th spot alongside 2 major honours; The Conference League and Fifa Club World Cup.
As we are edging closer to the return of the Premier League, It’s time to look at how I think Chelsea Football Club will do in the 2025/26 season.
**Robert Sanchez: 4.5**
Despite a very strong last 2 months of the 23/24 season, the other inconsistent 7 months must not be forgotten about.
Sanchez distribution and shot stopping gradually improved into the business end of the season but I have a feeling we will see moments of brilliance from our number 1 but also some howlers which will ultimately cost us not being in contention as title challengers.
The restored faith and form of Sanchez could carry over but I will not put it past him making at least 3 errors per game. More of the same from last season is what I predict to see from Sanchez unfortunately.
**Filip Jorgensen: 4**
Filip Jorgensen enters the 2025‑26 campaign as a talented ball-playing goalkeeper with upside, trusted by the manager and capable of match-winning saves.
However, aerial weaknesses and inconsistency remain concerns.
If he can string together strong performances and stay mentally sharp, we could see him truly stake his claim; otherwise, he may remain in a rotational or backup role.
There is always a chance as proven last season to become number 1.
He will have to prove himself when given the opportunity to cause Maresca a selection headache.
**Malo Gusto: 2.5**
Reasoning for this is even though he had a phenomenal Club World Cup Final, the lack of awareness offensively and defensively.
His struggles trying to fit into the system the majority of last season may see another calamitous season and can see a bold statement from our board by selling Gusto in January/Summer.
**Reece James: 7**
No doubt on his ability offensively and defensively but the main questions/concerns will always be, Can Reece James stay injury free?
On paper we will have tougher games with the Champions League thrown into the mix, therefore more game time as Reece is no doubt one of our best players.
We slightly got away with-it last season by having the Conference League due to the level of opposition, furthermore early exits in the FA/Carabao cup.
If we make it far in every competition this season, James minutes must continue to be managed for him to be available for us.
I have a sense that this recent surgery has helped James a lot and Maresca knows how to manage him well.
He will continue to grow in this new inverted/midfield role and can see him being a key influence in many “big” games.
**Josh Acheampong: 2**
The development of Josh was a highlight of 23/24 but the signing of Hato may have derailed and paused Josh’s Chelsea career.
Sadly, I predict he will be loaned/sold in January for more game time which would be a shame but the kid needs to play to develop.
A top tier level loan would be great for Josh playing as a Centre-Back.
**Trevoh Chalobah: 8**
At 26 years old, Chalobah is entering what should be his peak years.
If his valuation in Chelsea’s books shifts from “asset to be sold” to core defensive figure, and if he earns consistent playing time, he can deliver mid‑tier defender stats: solid passing, occasional goal threat, and reliable in the tackle.
But unless he addresses his aerial weaknesses and becomes a regular starter, he is likely to remain a depth rather than marquee option.
If Trevoh Chalobah locks in a regular role at Chelsea and stays fit, he should deliver a more mature defensive profile than last season; efficient distribution, useful goal contributions from set-plays, and a reliable presence in the backline.
For fans and analysts, a season tally of around 25 top‑flight appearances, 3–4 goal involvements, and solid ball‑playing stats would mark progress and potentially position him as a player worth keeping long-term.
Areas for improvement include aerial duels and physical presence, as he is not dominant in the air and can struggle in set-piece situations.
And, he can improve decision-making under pressure in possession-heavy systems, though passing remains a relative strength. Our owners have tried to offload Chalobah in the past, do not be surprised if he is sold after next season for pure profit.
**Levi Colwill: N/A**
Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Colwill missing most of the upcoming season.
His goal against Forest away got us into the UCL and now he wont get to play in it this season.
Let’s just hope he stays strong and have him fit and ready 12 months later for the 2026/2027 season. Have to pray this injury hasn’t totally killed his pace or his physical duelling.
Van Dijk came back well after his ACL injury , so theres hope for Colwill. I reckon we will see Colwill make an appearance off the bench in May, would be my prediction.
**Tosin: 6**
There is no doubt he is a big personality in the dressing room, bringing vital leadership, mentorship, and stability, especially to younger stars like Cole Palmer and Josh Achaempong.
Enzo Maresca sees him as a vocal leader reminiscent of club legend John Terry, and that influence has helped Chelsea sustain performance through defensive injuries and squad transitions.
The catalysts for a breakout year include Fofana remaining unavailable, Tosin could step up to a more consistent starting role.
Also, Trust from Maresca: by having an extended run of starts can help him cement a regular spot and finally leadership influence with his bond with key youngsters and presence in the locker room may further entrench him in the pecking order.
Possible risks for his career at Chelsea include his ball speed and agility in high-intensity duels may lag pacey opponents in select scenarios.
If he’s entrusted with consistent minutes, Tosin could be one of Chelsea’s most dependable defensive figures and a quiet leader on and off the pitch.
**Wesley Fofana: 1**
Despite ongoing injury issues, Fofana is highly rated by Maresca and seen as central to Chelsea’s defensive structure when fit.
A potential loan to Marseille has also been mooted as a rehab pathway or way to secure regular playing time post-recovery.
The big thing is can he remain injury free for this season. Sadly, I don’t think so and I do not see him a Chelsea player come August 2026.
No one has doubted his defensive ability but the constant piling of injuries is cause of concern for fans and we may be fortunate to recoup some of the huge fees we invested into him.
**Benoit Badiashile: 3.5**
At 24, Badiashile still holds potential to carve out a meaningful role at Chelsea.
But competition is fierce, and club plans suggest he’s no longer central to first-choice plans.
Success in cup games or pre-season friendlies could establish a rotation role, though unless he impresses decisively, he’ll likely remain a squad player.
If he stakes a claim early; showing form, fitness, and discipline he could edge into the rotation pool.
Otherwise, his season may largely consist of FA Cup, and EFL Cup appearances.
**Jorrel Hato: 7**
The Dutch signing from Ajax, brings versatility and pedigree. At just 19, he’ll rotate across left and centre-back, offer calm on the ball, and push Cucurella.
Expect significant minutes in rotation and European fixtures.
The tactical flexibility and positional versatility may see Hato play more games than we all expect.
I am very curious to see how he adapts to the intensity of the league.
If he settles quickly and develops physically, he could challenge for a regular place midway through the 2025–26 season and build toward becoming a long-term Chelsea defensive figure.
**Marc Cucurella: 9**
Since Maresca implemented an inverted full‑back system, Cucurella’s role shifted into midfield-like zones when Chelsea is in possession, unlocking his technical and passing strengths.
The added goal threat, especially being our top scorer 2nd half of the season is something I expect to see with his late runs into the box and having an eye for goal.
It will be interesting to see how he reacts on the pitch to the signing of Hato as I expect Cucurella to play less, but could this be a slight detriment? Evidence suggested Cucurella thrives off playing every game but this will be different.
Overall, if injuries are kept at bay and rotations are managed carefully, anticipate mid‑single digits goals, strong creative output, and high consistency making him one of Chelsea’s most dependable performers and a subtle but vital engine in their system.
**Moises Caicedo: 9.5**
I’m pretty sure majority us Chelsea fans have no doubts about our 24/25 Player of the Season replicating similar level of performances for the upcoming season.
With Maresca’s system highlighting pressing, transitional control, and midfield balance, Caicedo is well‑positioned to build on last season.
At 23, he has the stamina, aggressiveness, and distribution range to deliver world‑class performances consistently.
If he avoids suspension and fine‑tunes his decision‑making in possession, Caicedo could emerge as one of the Premier League’s top holding midfielders, challenging the likes of Rodri or Kante in influence and output.
Overall, I expect another phenomenal season that anchors Chelsea’s midfield, offering relentless work-rate, defensive stability, and progressive passing by solidifying his status as a long‑term pillar in Maresca’s project.
**Romeo Lavia: 6.5**
Again like Fofana, the big question mark surrounding Lavia would be if he can stay fit because there is no doubt we are a much better/balanced side with him in there.
When available, Lavia looks poised to be Chelsea’s midfield stabiliser in the 2025–26 season: composed under pressure, tactically crucial in breakouts, and trusted by Maresca in pivotal matches.
If he stays fit, expect him to unlock Chelsea’s press, control tempo, and act as a key factor between defence and attack.
His biggest key to success: a healthy injury record. With that, he could firmly stake his claim as one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive midfielders in a top-four and potentially title-challenging Chelsea side.
Overall, I just cannot see him staying fit for the entire season which is why the rating may seem a surprise.
**Enzo Fernandez: 8**
When fit and deployed in his more advanced, creative role Enzo Fernandez is dignified for his best season at Chelsea yet.
With his recent uptick in confidence, off-ball influence, and manager backing, look for, I predict he will have 12 G/A in all comps, with increased passing outputs and shot influence.
Furthermore, an advanced leadership role within a stronger midfield trio.
If injuries remain at bay and his Club World Cup form continues, Fernandez could redefine his transitional and attacking impact, becoming not only a creative engine for Chelsea but also someone who sets benchmark performance levels amongst rival clubs.
**Dario Essugo: 6**
Dario Essugo looks set to establish himself as a depth midfielder for Chelsea in 2025–26.
When fit and focused, his ball-winning, support for transitions, and aggressive presence could provide Maresca welcome options off the bench or in rotation.
If he manages to temper his disciplinary issues and maximize minutes in cup matches or during rotation, Essugo could emerge as a credible long-term rotation option—and eventually contender—to complement or compete with Caicedo and Lavia in Chelsea’s midfield rebuild.
Carabao and FA Cup games could be a good start for him to find his feet.
**Andrey Santos: 7.5**
Following an extremely successful loan spell at Strasbourg, we as Chelsea fans should all have our eyes on what this exciting prospect can add to an already solid midfield.
If he adapts quickly during pre-season and early matches, especially in cup fixtures or easing in through the Club World Cup run, he could carve out a role as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder (typically as an attacking No.8).
His ceiling remains highly capable of replicating 3–6 goal involvements, strong defensive stats, and energetic transitions, but success hinges on tactical adjustment and earning Maresca’s trust.
With less pressure, he has the tools to become an influential squad member and long-term asset.
**Pedro Neto: 8.5**
A up and down 24/25 season was slightly frustrating but he did come in clutch for some huge goals for us, memorably Fulham away and was a stand out performer in the Club World Cup.
The signing of a box striker in Liam Delap should hopefully make Neto’s output look better because we have seen him deliver a lot of teasing crosses but no one at the end of them.
His endless work rate will always win the fans over and there are certainly signs there’s a magical winger in there.
I expect Neto to have a standout season and potentially be our player of the season, which may sound bold!
**Jamie Gittens: 5.5**
Very torn on this new addition due to the previous output and game time.
Profile wise, he is a “Maresca” winger. If he adapts tactically and pairs his exceptional one-on-one ability with smarter decision-making and pressing, he could become a key figure on the left flank.
I expect around 20–25 league starts, delivering 5–8 goal contributions, with standout moments in cup matches and early season fixtures.
His ceiling is bright—but the 2025–26 campaign will hinge on his adaptability, consistency, and maturity on and off the ball.
This will be intriguing to see especially against low block opposition.
**Estevao: 6.5**
The hype around this kid is serious! I reckon he will be a useful rotation option in his debut season, gradually earning trust and playing time as he adapts.
I expect him to make a noticeable impact if given around 20–25 appearances. If he stays fit, adapts quickly to the intensity, and adjusts to Maresca’s demands, the second half of the season could be when he begins to shine more regularly.
Estevao is a high-upside young talent who likely won’t start right away but should become a valuable squad contributor.
If development continues positively, the 2026–27 season could be when he steps up as a more central creative force.
The only sort of hope would be less expected pressure to perform straight away and fans remaining patient.
Any confidence destroyers could psychologically damage Estevaos confidence.
**Cole Palmer – 9**
Our new number 10 will be our main creative engine in 2025–26.
I certainly expect a 25 G/A minimum attacking return in total across all competitions.
His progression, tactical fit with Maresca, and deeper attacking squad make it plausible he’ll maintain or exceed his previous campaign’s output.
If fitness holds and his confidence stays high, he could finish as one of Chelsea’s top scorers and assist-makers again. A strong season could even bring him into PFA Player of the Year contention once more.
The arrivals of Gittens, Pedro and Delap may help his assist output as the amount of assists Palmer was robbed off was baffling to see.
It will be intriguing to see if he has another goal drought/dry spell by means of his own reaction to see if he thrives.
Despite his bad 2nd half of the 24/25 season, he remains the team’s most reliable attacker.
The Champions League is a competition which will be fascinating to see how Palmer performs during those games and the number of minutes he gets juggled with the Premier League.
**Joao Pedro: 8**
Pedro adopts a style focused on linking play, dropping deep or drifting wide rather than looking only to make runs behind defences.
Enzo Maresca has highlighted that he plans to use Pedro especially against teams that defend deep, due to his effectiveness in tight spaces and decision-making under pressure.
With competition from Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, plus his ability to play central or wider roles, expect his minutes to vary.
Yet Maresca’s deployment choices in tournaments (starting Pedro ahead of Jackson vs Fluminense) indicate trust in his tactical utility.
Generally, I expect him to hit 15 G/A across all competitions.
The bottom line is think of Joao Pedro not as a headline hitter, but as the vital piece that makes Chelsea’s attack tick, “the firmino” role.
**Liam Delap: 7**
Delap is expected to replace Nicolas Jackson as the new number 9, working mostly in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup, feeding off chance creation galore from our wide men and Palmer.
Delap’s physicality and positioning make him suited to breaking down low blocks, leveraging crosses and second-ball situations in tight spaces.
In a more creative Chelsea side, Delap should benefit from increased quality and consistency of service, translating to better shot opportunities and expected goal returns.
His ball-carrying, link-up, and in-box positioning could produce 10 plus goals if fitness and form hold.
While assists may not be high, his ability to lay off passes or create space for teammates like Palmer could contribute 3–6 secondary assists.
Lets hope he can break the number 9 curse!
**Nicolas Jackson: 6.5**
As a squad player and less pressure, this could be where Jackson thrives for us, if he stays!
Jackson has all the tools to be an effective forward, but his impact this season will hinge on fitness, psychological resilience, and taking chances inside the box.
If he reclaims form, he could remain integral; if not, he risks becoming a secondary option under Maresca’s evolving blueprint.
Unless he significantly improves his finishing and adapts to competition from Delap and Joao Pedro, he may shift toward a rotation role or face offloading depending on January/summer plans.
**Enzo Maresca: 7.5**
Enzo Maresca enters 2025–26 with proven success in his debut year.
I expect qualification for the Champions League, progression and improvement across domestic cups, and tactical identity infused into the squad with new signings.
However, the margin for error is minimal. His success will mostly be relied on adapting tactically when opponents disrupt Chelsea’s plan, connecting with fans through expressive, engaging football and Building leadership within a young squad for consistency under pressure.
The level of the Champions League is an area of concern as this will be a first-time managerial experience for him.
If Maresca’s squad balancing, rotations, and tactical evolution succeed, Chelsea’s blend of youth and identity-driven football could elevate their status back into England’s elite.
My final verdict on Maresca is that he secures Champions League football once again and wins a domestic trophy.
**Chelsea Football Club: 8.5**
Chelsea embarked on another summer overhaul, spending well above £200 million on attackers such as Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Brazilian stars including Estevao and Andrey Santos.
Defensively, they reinforced further with Jorrel Hato from Ajax adding depth at centre-back and full-back roles.
As of today writing this, the arrivals of Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho may spark a completely fluid attack.
Another Centre back signing is imperative, following the shock news of Colwill.
My prediction for Chelsea would by 3rd place, targeting around 81 points, which would be a clear progression from the previous campaign and secure Champions League qualification alongside securing the FA Cup.
The season breakdown timeline should be: August–October: Fitness and cohesion may lag due to compact pre-season and new arrivals. Early domestic form mixed; rotation heavy.
November–February: Tactical patterns settle. Champions League begins. Squad rotation challenges increase.
March–May: Focus shifts to securing Europe and pushing in cups. Squads tested for mental consistency and leadership for final stretch.
What surprises (good/bad) have this Chelsea team got in store for all us for the upcoming 2025/2026?
Who will impress? Who will disappoint? Does Maresca remain in charge come May 2026?
We are only one week away from starting to find out.