Chelsea FC’s Strategic Squad Reshaping Ahead of the 2026 Season

In January 2026, Chelsea FC will embark on a new chapter with a fresh manager at the helm, aiming to strategically reshape their squad. However, significant transfers are not anticipated in the immediate future. The club has scaled back its pursuit of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, adjusting its plans as it prepares for the upcoming season.

Midfielder Facundo Buonanotte’s loan was terminated in mid-January, leading to his transfer on loan to Leeds United.

As January approaches, potential departures from Chelsea include Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly attracting interest from both West Ham and Fulham. Axel Disasi is also expected to leave, even as he returns to training.

During the summer 2025 transfer window, Chelsea was proactive in strengthening their squad by securing a number of promising talents. The club confirmed the acquisition of Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP for approximately £18.5 million. Essugo, who demonstrated his potential during a loan spell at Las Palmas, was signed to enhance midfield depth and compete for a position alongside Moisés Caicedo.

In addition to Essugo, Chelsea also signed winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP for a fee that could reach £44 million, although he will remain on loan in Portugal for the current season. The forward line was further bolstered by Liam Delap, whose £30 million release clause was activated from Ipswich Town, adding a new dimension to the team.

Looking to the future, Chelsea secured two highly-rated young talents: Estevao Willian from Palmeiras and Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle, both officially joining in July 2025. Their arrival has generated excitement for the club’s prospects.

The short transfer window ahead of the Club World Cup saw Chelsea bring in Mamadou Sarr on an eight-year deal from Strasbourg. Additionally, they confirmed the £60 million signing of striker Joao Pedro from Brighton, adding significant flair and firepower to their offensive lineup.

The club also finalized the £55 million capture of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, who was seen on the pitch following Chelsea’s quarter-final victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup.

Chelsea’s summer 2025 transfer activities included considerable reshaping of the squad, leading to several notable departures. Jadon Sancho returned to Manchester United after Chelsea opted not to execute a permanent transfer, resulting in a £5 million penalty due to unsuccessful negotiations over wage terms.

Marcus Bettinelli, the third-choice goalkeeper, transferred to Manchester City for a nominal fee. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent the previous season on loan at Bournemouth, made a permanent switch to Arsenal. Furthermore, Chelsea permitted Noni Madueke to join Arsenal, while Portuguese star Joao Felix moved to Al Nassr.

After a single season with Chelsea, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joined Everton. Other departures included Armando Broja, who transferred to Burnley for £20 million, and Renato Veiga, who moved to Villarreal for £26 million. Carney Chukwuemeka signed with Borussia Dortmund, Ben Chilwell transferred to Strasbourg, and Christopher Nkunku made a high-profile switch to AC Milan.

Marc Guiu joined Sunderland on loan, while Nicolas Jackson moved to Bayern Munich on a short-term deal.