Xabi Alonso is set for an extremely busy first summer at Chelsea, with the west London club expected to be very active in the upcoming transfer window in terms of both incomings and outgoings.
After a thoroughly disappointing 2025/26 campaign that left the Chelsea fanbase disjointed, the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager on a four-year contract starting July 1 has brought renewed optimism to Stamford Bridge. Unlike his predecessors under BlueCo, Alonso has been given genuine managerial authority, including significant influence over transfer business.
However, before he can truly begin rebuilding, Alonso faces the immediate challenge of a major squad overhaul. Football.london understands that Chelsea are preparing a ruthless clear-out, with as many as 11 senior players set to be moved on this summer as part of a brutal roster reset.
Garnacho first on the chopping block
Leading the list of departures is Alejandro Garnacho. The 21-year-old Argentine winger, signed from Manchester United for £40million last summer, has failed to establish himself as a regular starter. Despite eight goals across all competitions, he has managed just one Premier League strike. Chelsea are expected to look for a significant fee to recoup much of their investment, though the decision is a harsh one given his age and potential.
The clear-out does not stop there. In what amounts to one of the most significant squad purges in recent Chelsea history, the following players are also earmarked for sale:
- Liam Delap – Despite being given opportunities, the striker managed only two goals in his debut season and has failed to live up to expectations. The No.9 curse at Stamford Bridge continues.
- Wesley Fofana – High wages combined with inconsistent performances and occasional disciplinary issues (including a second red card of the season on the final day) make him a prime candidate to leave. Chelsea will struggle to recoup the full £75m paid four years ago.
- Malo Gusto – The France international has shown flashes of quality but lacks the consistency required to be a starter. He is unlikely to accept a bit-part role.
- Filip Jorgensen – The Danish goalkeeper has been given sufficient chances and is believed to have wanted to leave as early as January.
- Marc Cucurella – With two years left on his contract and interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid, this feels like the right time to sell. His departure would also open space for the highly-rated Jorrel Hato.
- Tosin Adarabioyo – Expected to provide leadership, Tosin’s performances fell short of that brief. His time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an end.
- Romeo Lavia – Persistent injury problems have prevented the Belgian from showing his true potential. Chelsea have decided it is time to move on.
- Benoit Badiashile – Despite early promise, the Frenchman has rarely shown the consistency needed to become a top-level centre-back.
- Axel Disasi – Enjoyed a solid loan at West Ham, but with the Hammers relegated, a permanent exit from Chelsea is the most logical step.
- Marc Guiu – The Spanish striker’s spell at Chelsea has not worked out as hoped.
This 11-player exodus represents a dramatic attempt to remove significant deadwood and create space — both in the squad and on the wage bill — for Alonso’s vision.
Who stays?
Not every decision is negative. Chelsea are determined to build around several key figures:
Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Reece James, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, Andrey Santos, Nicolas Jackson, and Jorrel Hato are all expected to remain at the club. Joao Pedro, in particular, shone brightly in his debut season, earning Player of the Season honours with 20 goals.
Young talents such as Mike Penders (who will arrive this summer), Geovany Quenda, and others will be carefully integrated, while several academy prospects including Dario Essugo, Josh Acheampong, Shim Mheuka, and Emanuel Emegha are likely to be loaned out for valuable first-team experience.
As Xabi Alonso prepares to take charge, the message from the Chelsea hierarchy is clear: only those who can contribute at the highest level under the new manager will remain. The coming weeks promise to be among the most decisive — and dramatic — in the club’s modern era.