Apathy and alienation have defined Chelsea’s 2025–26 season. After a promising first year under Enzo Maresca that delivered silverware and a platform for growth, the campaign has unravelled dramatically. The Italian coach departed midway through his second season amid behind-the-scenes frustrations, and he is now being linked with a potential role as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City — the very side Chelsea will face in next month’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
That cup final offers a rare glimmer of solace in what has otherwise been a bitterly disappointing campaign marked by inconsistency, fan protests in west London, and mounting discontent directed squarely at BlueCo’s ownership. Despite significant financial investment, results have failed to match the ambition, leaving supporters weary of the ongoing sense of drift.
In a recent interview, co-owner Behdad Eghbali conceded that a shift in strategy may be necessary, hinting at a move toward more “ready-made” players to complement the club’s youthful core. Yet regardless of the direction Chelsea choose moving forward, one thing is clear: certain players no longer have any business wearing the shirt of this five-time Premier League champion. Here are six who should be shown the door this summer (excluding those who spent the 2025–26 season out on loan, such as Nicolas Jackson).
Robert Sánchez
Chelsea’s No. 1 has proven unreliable despite statistically solid Premier League numbers. While Sánchez has delivered standout performances — notably in the FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds and during last summer’s Club World Cup success — unforced errors and lapses in concentration continue to undermine his progress. He is not a bad goalkeeper and could thrive as a starter elsewhere in the Premier League, but Chelsea’s lofty ambitions demand more consistency.
If a top-class option like Mike Maignan becomes available, the club should pounce without hesitation. Retaining Sánchez in such a scenario would only create avoidable tension in the dressing room. An upgrade is overdue.
Wesley Fofana
Chelsea invested heavily — up to $95 million (£70 million) — to bring Wesley Fofana from Leicester City in 2022. Once seen as a generational talent alongside William Saliba at Saint-Étienne, the Frenchman has yet to justify that price tag. Injuries have disrupted his development, but even when fit for much of 2025–26, he has struggled with discipline and often contributed more chaos than calm to the backline.
Trevoh Chalobah has outperformed him this season, and a partnership between Chalobah and Levi Colwill looks a more reliable foundation for 2026–27. Chelsea need depth, but they should seriously consider any handsome offers for Fofana before contract complications arise. Recouping even a fraction of the original fee would be preferable to letting the situation stagnate.
Benoît Badiashile
The former Monaco defender arrived with high expectations but has rarely earned the trust of successive managers. His appearances have often been limited to lower-stakes competitions like the Conference League, and recurring fitness issues have prevented him from building consistent rhythm.
Badiashile possesses physicality and composure on the ball, yet a brief upsurge under interim or transitional management quickly faded. At 25, his career sits at a crossroads. With talent still evident but opportunities at Stamford Bridge scarce, a fresh start elsewhere would benefit both player and club. This signing was never a catastrophic financial burden, making it easier to move on.
Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea’s winger recruitment under BlueCo has produced a mixed bag, with only Estêvão offering genuine long-term hope. Pedro Neto has shown energy and FA Cup quality, but Alejandro Garnacho stands out for the wrong reasons. Signed from Manchester United last summer for around $54 million (£40 million) on a lengthy seven-year deal, the Argentine has delivered just 12 goal contributions across all competitions — few of them truly impactful.
Garnacho’s youthful exuberance, self-belief, and ability to exploit transitions or create space with intelligent movement are assets. However, fundamental flaws in his all-round game have persisted, and he has failed to evolve meaningfully since breaking through at Old Trafford. Chelsea desperately need game-breakers on the flanks. Cutting losses after just one year makes sense; interest from Napoli or even Saudi clubs could provide a viable exit route.
Marc Guiu
The young Spanish striker was originally earmarked for a loan at Sunderland but was recalled due to an emergency need at Stamford Bridge. Now 20, Guiu has spent time as third-choice centre-forward with minimal impact. Chelsea took a low-risk flyer on the former Barcelona La Masia graduate in 2024, but Barcelona rarely part with top prospects lightly — a sign that Guiu was never viewed as elite material.
A couple of years in London have yielded little of note. While the lifestyle may be comfortable, Guiu needs regular football to ignite his career. That spark is unlikely to come at Chelsea.
Liam Delap
Signed after an impressive debut Premier League season at Ipswich Town, Liam Delap arrived with expectations of becoming a focal point in attack. However, he has struggled to adapt to Chelsea’s possession-oriented, control-focused philosophy under the current regime. Delap thrived in transition-heavy setups but lacks the finesse required to act as the fulcrum in a more sterile, ball-dominant system.
With Enzo Maresca now gone and the possibility that Nicolas Jackson could return (should Bayern Munich not pursue a permanent deal), Delap’s future looks uncertain. Some argue it is too early to write him off, yet early signs suggest he is not suited to the rigours and tactical demands of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should consider cutting their losses rather than forcing a square peg into a round hole.
As Chelsea prepare for the FA Cup final against Manchester City and brace for another summer of transition, a ruthless clear-out of these six players could provide the reset the squad needs. Eghbali has spoken of learning from mistakes and evolving the model — parting ways with those who no longer fit is the clearest first step. No excuses. The Blues’ ambitions demand better.