Chelsea FC: Players Potentially Leaving Before the 2025/26 Season

As Chelsea Football Club prepares for the 2025/26 season under manager Enzo Maresca, the transfer window is active with speculation about potential departures. Following a successful 2024/25 campaign that included winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea are reshaping their squad to fit Maresca’s vision.
### Context: Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Chelsea’s transfer activity shows their ambition to compete across multiple competitions while maintaining financial balance under Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The club aims to raise over £100 million through player sales, having already offloaded several players including Kepa Arrizabalaga and academy prospects.
### Players Potentially Leaving Chelsea
1. Nicolas Jackson
– Position: Forward
– Status: Potential permanent transfer
– Details: Despite scoring 17 goals last season, Jackson’s inconsistency makes him a possible departure as Chelsea may seek a more reliable striker.
– Likelihood: High
2. Christopher Nkunku
– Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward
– Status: Permanent transfer or loan
– Details: Injuries have limited Nkunku’s impact, and with new attacking signings arriving, his future at Chelsea is uncertain.
– Likelihood: Moderate
3. Renato Veiga
– Position: Defender/Midfielder
– Status: Close to £35m move to Atletico Madrid
– Details: The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Juventus and doesn’t feature in Chelsea’s plans.
– Likelihood: Very high
4. Noni Madueke
– Position: Winger
– Status: Potential sale
– Details: Has struggled for consistent minutes and could be sold to raise funds.
– Likelihood: Moderate
5. Đorđe Petrović
– Position: Goalkeeper
– Status: Likely permanent exit
– Details: After a strong loan at Strasbourg, Chelsea are open to selling him with new goalkeepers arriving.
– Likelihood: High
6. Axel Disasi
– Position: Defender
– Status: On loan to Aston Villa, potential permanent move
– Details: Not central to Chelsea’s plans with new defenders arriving.
– Likelihood: Confirmed loan, possible permanent exit
7. João Félix
– Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward
– Status: Could leave due to squad competition
– Details: Despite his talent, inconsistency makes him expendable.
– Likelihood: Moderate
8. Alfie Gilchrist
– Position: Defender
– Status: Likely permanent transfer
– Details: Academy graduate with limited first-team pathway.
– Likelihood: High
9. David Fofana
– Position: Forward
– Status: Expected permanent exit
– Details: Failed to impress in loan spells; Chelsea seeking a sale.
– Likelihood: High
10. Carney Chukwuemeka
– Position: Midfielder
– Status: On loan to Dortmund, possible permanent move
– Details: Injuries have stalled his progress; loan could lead to sale.
– Likelihood: Confirmed loan, moderate permanent chance
### Additional Notes
– Academy Sales: Chelsea continue to offload youth players including Travis Akomeah and Somto Boniface.
– Reinvestment Strategy: Funds from sales will likely go toward new signings like Jorrel Hato or Xavi Simons.
### Conclusion
Chelsea’s squad overhaul is underway with several first-team players potentially departing. The club’s strategy focuses on balancing financial sustainability with squad competitiveness ahead of the 2025/26 season. Expect more movement as the transfer deadline approaches.