Chelsea’s squad overhaul is in full swing — and the message from Stamford Bridge is crystal clear. The West London club has made bold moves ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, excluding nine senior players from its official squad list, signaling the next phase of a dramatic summer clear-out.
After years of inconsistent performances and a bloated squad, Chelsea’s hierarchy, under the Clearlake Capital ownership, seems determined to streamline the team under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The club’s website has been updated with its new-look roster, but notable absentees raise serious questions about the futures of several high-profile stars.
Among the most shocking names missing is Raheem Sterling, once a key figure for both club and country. The 30-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, appears to be headed for the exit door after failing to impress during his temporary spell in North London. His omission reinforces growing speculation that Chelsea are actively seeking to move him on — even if that requires a steep wage compromise.
Who’s Out and Why It Matters
The Chelsea squad overhaul doesn’t stop at Sterling. Ben Chilwell, a former £45 million signing, also finds himself out of favour. Once considered among the best full-backs in the Premier League, Chilwell has battled form and fitness issues and now looks surplus to requirements. A short-term loan at Crystal Palace last season did little to boost his stock, and Chelsea appear ready to part ways.
Other names missing from the updated roster include:
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Axel Disasi – Loaned to Aston Villa last term but failed to impress enough for a permanent deal.
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Renato Veiga – Spent the season at Juventus but hasn’t secured a long-term place in Maresca’s plans.
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Carney Chukwuemeka – The promising midfielder had a decent stint at Borussia Dortmund but may be sold for profit.
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David Datro Fofana – A forgotten figure after three loan spells, he’s expected to leave either on loan again or permanently.
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Alfie Gilchrist – The academy product impressed at Sheffield United but is attracting Championship interest.
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Armando Broja – Nearing a move to Burnley after failing to break into Chelsea’s forward line.
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Lesley Ugochukwu – Also close to a Burnley switch after limited appearances last season.
The Bigger Picture: Maresca’s Blueprint Takes Shape
This aggressive reshuffling signals Chelsea’s intent to finally establish a defined footballing identity, something they’ve lacked since the post-Tuchel era. Maresca, who arrived from Leicester City with a clear vision, is trimming the squad to fit his tactical philosophy. His preference for dynamic, technically gifted players has left many veterans and underperformers behind.
The decision to exclude these players isn’t symbolic; it’s strategic. By removing them from the official channels and public-facing platforms, the club is making it known that these players are no longer central to their plans.
What About Mykhailo Mudryk?
Interestingly, Mykhailo Mudryk does appear on the site, albeit in outdated kit imagery. The Ukrainian winger is currently facing possible disciplinary action following a failed anti-doping test from last November. Despite the uncertainty, Chelsea seems willing to give Mudryk the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.
New Faces Signal the Next Era
In contrast to those exiting, Chelsea have already welcomed several exciting additions, including:
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Jorrel Hato (from Ajax)
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Jamie Gittens (from Borussia Dortmund)
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Estevao Willian (from Palmeiras)
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João Pedro (from Brighton & Hove Albion)
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Liam Delap (from Manchester City)
These signings point to a youth-driven approach, with Maresca and the board investing in players who can develop into long-term assets.
What Happens Next?
With just weeks left in the summer transfer window, expect Chelsea to push hard to offload the remaining names on the chopping block. Whether through permanent deals or salary-sharing loan arrangements, the goal is clear: create space, raise funds, and recalibrate.
While some of these departures — like Broja and Ugochukwu — are already in advanced stages, others (notably Sterling and Chilwell) may take longer due to wage complexities and lack of interested suitors at their current salaries.
But one thing is certain: the Chelsea squad overhaul is real, and it’s reshaping the club’s identity faster than many anticipated.
Conclusion
Chelsea fans hoping for a reset finally have something to cling to. With the clear-out well underway and Enzo Maresca firmly at the helm, the Blues are laying the groundwork for a new era — one that might just deliver consistency after years of chaos.
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