Chelsea have just 90 minutes — or so — remaining in the 2025/26 Premier League season. A campaign that many supporters have been eager to see end will conclude at the Stadium of Light on Sunday evening against Sunderland.
The Black Cats have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the top flight following promotion, while Chelsea still harbour an outside chance of European football. For most Blues fans, however, the real excitement lies in the summer ahead.
Xabi Alonso has agreed a four-year contract to become Chelsea’s new manager from July 1. The Spaniard will be granted significant influence over transfer strategy, heralding a window of major squad surgery at Stamford Bridge. With several high-profile incomings expected, a wave of departures is also anticipated. As the season reaches its climax, five players could be playing their final match in Chelsea colours this weekend.
Filip Jorgensen
Unfortunately for the Danish goalkeeper, opportunities have been limited, and another may not arrive. Robert Sanchez is expected to start between the posts at Sunderland. With a decision looming over young prospect Mike Penders this summer, Jorgensen could be the one to make way.
While Jorgensen has shown flashes of quality, he has largely failed to convince when handed chances. Sanchez remains the preferred option, and if Penders stays, movement in the goalkeeping department appears inevitable.
Tosin Adarabioyo
The 28-year-old defender has endured a difficult season. As the most senior outfield player in the squad, Tosin has struggled whenever called upon and could depart this summer, with just two years left on his contract.
Signed on a free transfer a couple of summers ago, Chelsea stand to make a profit on the centre-back. Given his form, it would be surprising if he features at the Stadium of Light — potentially marking the end of his Blues career.
Benoit Badiashile
The Frenchman’s situation is even more concerning. Badiashile has managed only eight Premier League appearances this season and has not even been in the matchday squad for the last seven league games — with no injury cited. He has simply fallen out of favour.
A summer exit looks certain as Chelsea attempt to recoup as much as possible of the £35 million paid for him. However, given his lack of minutes and current standing, securing a significant fee will be challenging. It appears Badiashile has already played his last game for the club.
Alejandro Garnacho
The 21-year-old Argentine winger, signed from Manchester United less than 12 months ago for a relatively modest £40 million, finds himself out of favour. His last Premier League start came more than two months ago in the 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle United.
With Alonso’s arrival, fresh question marks have emerged over whether Garnacho fits the new manager’s tactical preferences. Chelsea may look to flip the former United star in the upcoming window, meaning Sunday’s trip to Sunderland could serve as a critical final audition. The Garnacho decision has suddenly gained a clear deadline.
Liam Delap
Similar uncertainty surrounds Liam Delap. Chelsea paid Ipswich Town £30 million for the striker last summer, but his debut season has been underwhelming. Since his last goal in any competition, the 23-year-old has appeared 25 times without finding the net again.
Delap has scored just two goals all season. With Emanuel Emegha set to arrive from Strasbourg and questions remaining over Nicolas Jackson’s future, a move on from west London after just one year is a distinct possibility. Delap will be desperate for minutes at the Stadium of Light to make one last impression.
As the final whistle approaches in Sunderland, these five players face more than just a Premier League fixture. For some, it may represent a last chance to impress the incoming manager or secure a future elsewhere. Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea era is about to begin — and for these stars, the clock is ticking.